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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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.
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.
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.
Understanding the Binding Nature of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Law
A look at City of Bacolod v. Sugarland Hotel, where the Supreme Court affirmed that a memorandum of understanding is a binding contract, and explored estoppel and jurisdictional challenges.
Tortious Interference vs. Intra-Corporate Dispute: Jurisdiction in Corporate Conflicts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate conflict is a civil tort case or an intra-corporate dispute, and which court has jurisdiction.
Understanding Intent to Kill: The Fine Line Between Attempted Murder and Serious Physical Injuries
The Supreme Court clarifies when a violent attack is attempted murder or only serious physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill and spontaneous desistance.
Naturalization in the Philippines: Strict Compliance Required, Even for Refugees
Philippine naturalization demands strict compliance with all legal requirements, as shown by a recent Supreme Court ruling denying a refugee's citizenship application.
Trademarks and Domain Names in the Philippines: The Kolin Case on Registration Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies how trademark rights apply to domain name registrations under the IP Code, using the Kolin dispute as a guide.
Supreme Court Strikes Down BIR Rule on Bank Expense Allocation
The Supreme Court voided Revenue Regulations No. 4-2011 for overstepping BIR authority and violating taxpayers' right to choose accounting methods.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Resolving Territorial Conflicts Between LGUs
The Supreme Court settles the Makati-Taguig territorial dispute, explaining how boundary conflicts between local governments are resolved.
Protecting Your Brand Online: Trademark Rights and Domain Names in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects trademark rights in domain names, and what the Kolin case means for your brand's online presence.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigation of Contract Validity in Loan Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissal order bars a second lawsuit on the same loan contract under res judicata.
Tax Amnesty Scope: When Revenue Regulations Exceed Statutory Authority
Supreme Court ruling on tax amnesty, pending cases, and limits of implementing rules under RA 9480.
When Local Governance Meets Lending: Safeguarding Public Funds in Loan Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies when LGU loan agreements become "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under the Anti-Graft Law, acquitting local officials.
Tax Amnesty and Criminal Immunity: What Pending DOJ Cases Mean Under RA 9480
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax amnesty under RA 9480 covers taxpayers with pending DOJ complaints, not just court cases.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause: Protecting Private Individuals From Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals may be charged under the Anti-Graft law, emphasizing the need for evidence of conspiracy with public officers.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can an Employer Terminate a Managerial Employee in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the rules on dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence, and when belated reporting justifies termination.
Conspiracy and Graft: Probable Cause Against Private Individuals in Anti-Graft Cases
When can a private person be charged with graft under RA 3019? The Supreme Court clarifies the conspiracy requirement in Arroyo v. Sandiganbayan.
Self-Defense Claim Fails Standards for Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails, using a police officer's murder conviction to illustrate the strict legal requirements.
Ancestral Land Rights: Confirming Titles of Indigenous Communities Under the Public Land Act
The Supreme Court affirms that indigenous cultural communities may secure free patents over ancestral lands, even if within forest reservations, under Section 48(c) of the Public Land Act.
Libel Venue Rules: When Public Officers Can Sue and Why Denial of Motion to Quash Is Not Appealable
Supreme Court clarifies libel venue rules for public officers and why denial of a motion to quash is an interlocutory order, not subject to certiorari.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: How Venue Affects Foreign Divorce Recognition in the Philippines
A Filipino spouse seeking recognition of a foreign divorce must file in the right venue. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Profit Sharing in CBA: Exclusivity for Rank-and-File Employees
Supreme Court rules CBA profit sharing belongs exclusively to rank-and-file employees; separate benefits for managers must not dilute union gains.
Libel Venue in the Philippines: Where Can a Public Official File a Case?
Learn the rules on libel venue for public officials under the Revised Penal Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court.