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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Navigating Tax Exemptions for Government-Owned Properties in the Philippines: Insights From a Landmark Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified tax exemptions for government-owned properties in the Philippines through a landmark ruling.
Inordinate Delay by Ombudsman Leads to Acquittal in Fertilizer Fund Scam Case
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of graft charges against Surigao officials due to the Ombudsman's unreasonable delay in preliminary investigation.
Reconstitution of Title Requires Strict Compliance and Proof of Existence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles: strict compliance with RA 26 and proof of title existence required.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Three-Day Reporting Rule
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability claims and the mandatory three-day post-employment medical examination requirement under the POEA-SEC.
Protecting Minors: RA 7610 and the Boundaries of Sexual Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual assault of a minor is lascivious conduct under RA 7610, not simple sexual assault.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 matters.
Graft and Conspiracy: When Private Individuals Become Publicly Liable
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on splitting government contracts and conspiracy liability in procurement under RA 9184.
Splitting Contracts: Good Faith Alone Does NOT Excuse Violation of Procurement Laws
Supreme Court rules good faith is no defense for splitting contracts and bypassing public bidding under RA 9184.
Unlawful Marijuana Possession Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Searches
A Supreme Court ruling shows how strict compliance with drug evidence rules protects the accused against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Tax Refund Claims: Why Judicial Claims Stand Independently of Administrative Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies that a judicial tax refund claim before the CTA is not precluded by defects in the administrative claim filed with the BIR.
When a Warrantless Arrest Fails: The Adoma Case and the Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after an invalid hot pursuit arrest and broken chain of custody. Learn the rules.
Retirement as Evasion: When Public Officials Still Face Administrative Charges
Can a retired public official still face administrative charges? The Supreme Court clarifies when voluntary retirement is considered an evasion of liability.
Duplicitous Informations and Child Abuse: Understanding Convictions for Multiple Offenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how duplicitous informations can lead to convictions for multiple offenses, and when child abuse charges apply instead of rape.
Upholding Fiscal Responsibility: The Limits of PCSO's Authority in Granting Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of PCSO employee benefits, clarifying limits on board authority and liability rules.
Inordinate Delay in Election Offense Cases: Protecting Your Right to Speedy Disposition
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases, using the Figueroa v. Sandiganbayan ruling as a guide.
Time Limits in Medical Negligence Claims: Understanding Prescription in Philippine Law
When does a medical negligence claim expire in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the four-year prescription period for tort-based actions.
Tax Assessment Validity: Waivers and Due Dates Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court nullified BIR deficiency assessments for First Gas Power due to defective waivers and missing due dates, clarifying prescriptive period rules.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: The Claur Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity as a legal concept in nullifying marriages, applying the Tan-Andal guidelines.
Overcoming the Presumption in Seafarer Disability Claims and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the disputable presumption of work-relatedness in seafarer disability claims, and the mandatory third-doctor referral rule.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Enforcement IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies medical malpractice prescription and strict procedural deadlines for certiorari petitions under Rule 45.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Inordinate Delay Leads to Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, leading to dismissal.
Safeguarding Justice: Upholding the Right to Speedy Disposition in Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court reaffirms that inordinate delay in Ombudsman preliminary investigations violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Compliance Required IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that Rule 45 petitions must strictly comply with procedural deadlines, and clarifies the elements of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Government Contracts Despite Procedural Flaws
When can a contractor recover payment for services rendered to the government despite an invalid contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.