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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Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Documentary Stamp Tax on Passbook Savings Accounts
The Supreme Court rules that passbook savings accounts with higher interest rates are certificates of deposit subject to documentary stamp tax.
Levy on Mortgaged Property in the Philippines: Sheriff's Duties Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs may levy mortgaged properties to satisfy judgments, as debtors retain beneficial ownership until foreclosure.
When Company Rules Clash With Labor Rights Reinstatement Despite Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on reinstatement without backwages when both employer and workers are at fault in labor dispute.
Liability in Maritime Charters: Who Pays When the Ship Goes Down
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears liability when a chartered vessel sinks, applying the Civil Code over the Code of Commerce.
Parental Liability in Statutory Rape: Philippine Law and Child Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape by a parent, penalties under RA 9346, and damages awarded to minor victims.
Why Correct Docket Fees Are Crucial for Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how docket fees affect court jurisdiction in property cases, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate disputes.
CBA Imposition Balancing Employer Rights AND Collective Bargaining Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the scope and effectivity of an imposed CBA when an employer commits unfair labor practice by refusing to bargain.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reinstates a rape conviction, clarifying when child abuse under RA 7610 applies instead of rape.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Sheriff Suspended for Auction Manipulation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's dishonesty in auction bidding, explaining consequences for public servants who manipulate official processes.
Lease Assignment Without Lessor Consent: Supreme Court Upholds Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court rules on lease assignment without lessor consent, applying Article 1649 and Article 1191 of the Civil Code.
Circumstantial Evidence in Murder and Kidnapping Convictions: People v. Anticamara
How circumstantial evidence can prove murder and kidnapping beyond reasonable doubt, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Illegal Slowdown Strikes and Union Officer Liability: Lessons from Monterey Foods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when union officers may be dismissed for illegal slowdown strikes after DOLE assumes jurisdiction.
Clearing Land Title Clouds: Why Accurate Property Descriptions Are Crucial in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agrarian reform, land reclassification, and why precise property records protect ownership rights.
Navigating Inconsistencies in Rape Testimony: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court clarifies when inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony matter and when they do not, acquitting on three counts but convicting on one.
Solidary Liability of Sureties: Understanding Your Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sureties solidarity liable with a debtor cannot use corporate rehabilitation stay orders to delay or avoid payment obligations.
Venue Matters: Why Filing Corporate Rehabilitation in the Right Court Is Crucial
Learn how choosing the correct court for corporate rehabilitation filings can determine case success, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Criminal Cases: When Dismissal Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy rules and trial court duties in dismissing criminal cases.
Filing for Muslim Divorce in the Philippines: The Clerk of Court's Ministerial Duty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the clerk of court's ministerial duty in registering Muslim divorces under the Code of Muslim Personal Laws.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and contract of sale, and when ownership actually transfers.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Jurisprudence Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on victim testimony credibility in rape cases, examining evidentiary standards and witness assessment principles.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drugs: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rulings on the chain of custody rule in drug cases and how it protects the accused's rights.
Philippine Mining Rights: Securing Priority Through Timely Filing of Applications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mining rights priority: timely filing of applications determines preferential rights, not later registration.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Stockholders Become Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stockholders may be held personally liable for corporate debts, including unpaid subscriptions and the trust fund doctrine.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies: Why Businesses Can't Skip Agency Rulings in Pollution Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Universal Robina Corp. v. LLDA clarifies why businesses must exhaust administrative remedies before going to court.