Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Tax Amnesty vs Documentary Stamp Tax: When Can a Bank Claim Immunity
Supreme Court rules on DST liability for special savings accounts and whether tax amnesty covers deficiency assessments.
Agency Responsibility Clarifying Liability In Overseas Placement Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when a Philippine recruitment agency remains liable to overseas workers despite an alleged transfer of accreditation.
From Rice Fields to Fair Value: Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
When PD 27 lands remain unpaid at RA 6657's passage, just compensation follows RA 6657, not the old decree.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: The High Cost of Underpayment in Corporate Disputes
Underpaying docket fees can be fatal to a case. Learn from Sameer v. Santos how the Supreme Court treats this procedural pitfall.
Final Judgments and Laches: Why Refiling the Same Case Fails
The Supreme Court explains why a dismissal based on laches bars refiling the same claim, under the doctrine of res judicata.
Finality of Judgments: Why Prior Dismissals Can Prevent New Lawsuits
A dismissed case can bar a refiled lawsuit. The Supreme Court explains the doctrine of res judicata and finality of judgments.
Final Judgments Bar Refiled Claims: Navarro v. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company
A Supreme Court ruling on how a final dismissal based on laches bars a refiled case, even when the new suit seeks different relief.
When Summary Judgment Is Not Proper: Lessons from D.M. Consunji v. Duvaz
The Supreme Court explains when summary judgment is improper due to genuine factual disputes, using a construction dispute as a case study.
Protecting Property Rights: The Validity of Sales by Thumbprint in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that a thumbmark on a deed of sale is valid consent, and the duty of buyers to verify ownership.
Double Taxation and Local Business Tax: Clarifying Exemptions for Manila Businesses
Supreme Court ruling on double taxation under Manila's tax ordinance, clarifying exemptions for businesses already paying local business tax.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Court Employee Suspended After Third Offense
Supreme Court suspends court employee for six months for willful failure to pay a just debt, clarifying standards for administrative liability and mitigating circumstances.
Probate Appeals and Executor Disqualification: Lessons from the Marcos Estate Case
The Supreme Court clarifies appeal rules in probate cases and when a criminal conviction disqualifies an executor for moral turpitude.
Neglect of Duty: Process Servers Must Exercise Diligence in Serving Summons
A process server's careless substituted service of summons led to an administrative penalty. Learn the strict rules on valid service.
Credibility IN Rape Cases THE Importance OF Consistent Testimony
Finality of Judgment: Disbarred Lawyer’s Bid to Reverse Disbarment Fails
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's motion to reverse his disbarment, citing the doctrine of finality of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
COA Audit Powers and Quantum Meruit: Lessons from Lotrim v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the limits of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: Landowner's Duty of Full Disclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agrarian retention rights, emphasizing a landowner's duty of full disclosure in retention applications.
Proportional Representation in the Commission on Appointments: What Drilon v. De Venecia Means for Political P
The Supreme Court explains when political parties can demand seats in the Commission on Appointments and the proper remedy for violations.
Real Estate DUE Diligence Realty Firms Held TO Higher Standard AS Innocent Purchasers
Torrens System Prevails: Registered Land Protected Against Adverse Claims
When registered land is sold to innocent buyers, claims of long possession cannot defeat the Torrens title, the Supreme Court rules.
Clerk of Court Suspended for Unauthorized Fee Collection: Breach of Duty
A branch clerk of court was suspended for collecting commissioner's and stenographer's fees without authority. Learn the rules on court fee collection.
Probationary Employees Can Vote in Certification Elections: Key SC Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies probationary employees' voting rights in certification elections, ordering a run-off after votes were wrongly excluded.
Practicing Law During Suspension: Judicial Ethics and Integrity
A judge's preventive suspension does not lift the ban on private law practice. The Supreme Court explains why.
Perfecting an Appeal: Timely Payment of Appeal Fees Is Jurisdictional
Understand why paying appeal fees on time is a strict jurisdictional requirement in Philippine courts, based on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling.