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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Contractor or Employer: Defining the Boundaries of Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a legitimate job contractor rather than a labor-only contractor, and who is the true employer.
The Presumption of Regularity of Notarized Documents in Philippine Land Disputes
How a notarized deed of sale's presumption of regularity shapes quieting of title cases, explained through a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Brokers' Commissions Survive Property Buy-Backs: Lessons from Malate Construction v. ERABCO
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commissions once sale conditions are met, even if buyers later default and properties are bought back.
Upholding Notarized Deeds: The Strength of Public Documents in Philippine Property Disputes
Notarized deeds enjoy the presumption of regularity in Philippine property disputes. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in a quieting of title case.
Lawyer Accountability: Why Financial Management and Client Service Matter in Court
A Supreme Court ruling on misappropriated court funds shows why lawyers and court personnel must uphold strict financial management and client service standards.
Reckless Imprudence Penalties for Damage to Property and Physical Injuries
Explaining how Philippine courts penalize reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and physical injuries, based on a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misconduct in Property Transactions: Lessons from BASECO Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for failing to account for client funds and neglecting property titling work, highlighting ethical duties in Philippine property law practice.
Safeguarding Public Trust: Court Personnel and the Duty to Manage Judicial Funds
A Supreme Court ruling holds a cash clerk liable for misappropriating court funds and reminds clerks of court of their supervisory duties.
Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Due Process in Philippine Tax Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects taxpayers' due process rights in VAT refund claims, from the 120-day rule to document submission standards.
Marriage Licenses and Nullity Cases: What the Supreme Court’s Ruling in Maristela-Cuan Means
Explore the Supreme Court's 2021 ruling on psychological incapacity, marriage licenses, and nullity cases in the Philippines.
Corporate Opportunity Doctrine: Directors Cannot Take Business Deals for Themselves
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors breach their duty of loyalty by taking business opportunities meant for the corporation.
Party List Proportionality: Supreme Court Upholds BANAT Formula in Seat Allocation
The Supreme Court upholds the BANAT formula for party-list seat allocation, rejecting claims that it violates the one person, one vote principle.
Navigating Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: Insights From a Landmark Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36, Family Code, in a landmark ruling on marriage nullity.
Good Faith as a Shield: Accountability in Governance for Disallowed Transactions
When can good faith protect public officers from liability for disallowed transactions? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accountability in governance.
Qualifying Circumstances in Rape: Proving the Victim's Minority and Relationship
The Supreme Court clarifies how the prosecution may prove a rape victim's minority and relationship, and when a conviction may be upgraded to qualified statutory rape.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Credible Testimony of Child Rape Victims as Basis for Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms that a child rape victim's credible testimony, even without medical findings, suffices for conviction and clarifies proof of minority.
Offshore Gaming Taxation: The Supreme Court on Philippine Tax Authority Limits
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, clarifying the limits of Philippine tax authority over POGOs.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue to Nullify a Contract in the Philippines
Learn who has legal standing to file a case to nullify a contract in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings on real party in interest.
Agrarian Dispute vs Ejectment: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Land Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when forcible entry cases over agricultural lands belong to the courts or the DARAB.
Solidary Liability and Interest Rates in Philippine Partnerships: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability, novation, and unconscionable interest rates in business loans and partnerships.
Mandamus and Government Contracts: Enforcing Legal Duties in Joint Venture Agreements
When can courts compel government agencies to honor joint venture commitments? The Supreme Court clarifies mandamus and ministerial duties.
Beyond Infidelity: The High Bar for Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity, immaturity, and lack of support do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Final Judgment Immutability: Why an Order of Execution Cannot Be Appealed
The Supreme Court clarifies that orders of execution are not appealable, upholding the immutability of final judgments in ejectment cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim Testimony and Force in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a police officer, ruling on victim credibility, force and intimidation, and alibi defenses.