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.
PEZA Tax Exemption: Instrumentality of National Government and Real Property Tax
Supreme Court rules PEZA is exempt from real property tax as an instrumentality of the national government, clarifying local taxing limits.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for Anti-Graft Act violations begins, using a behest loan case as the backdrop.
Upholding Public Safety: Supreme Court Invalidates Ordinance Permitting Oil Depots in Densely Populated Area
The Supreme Court strikes down Manila Ordinance No. 8187 for allowing oil depots to remain in densely populated Pandacan, reaffirming the primacy of public safety and health.
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspended FOR Dishonest Real Estate Dealings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for dishonest real estate dealings, reaffirming high ethical standards for attorneys in the Philippines.
Donor's Tax on Share Sales: Fair Market Value and Donative Intent
Supreme Court rules on donor's tax for share sales below book value, fair market value determination, and CTA jurisdiction.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers vs Unregistered Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith purchasers, unregistered claims, and property rights under Article 1544 of the Civil Code.
Sobriety vs Perception: Protecting Rights During Traffic Stops in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a driver of drunk driving and resisting arrest, clarifying that smelling of alcohol is not the same as being under its influence.
Defective Summons: How Improper Service Can Void an Ejectment Case in the Philippines
Learn how defective summons and improper substituted service can void an ejectment case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Government Reorganization: Security of Tenure vs Legislative Authority
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on ATO abolition, hold-over status, and security of tenure in government reorganizations.
Reconstitution of Lost Title Allowed: Supreme Court Clarifies R.A. 26 Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties: Demaala v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using ICT raises the penalty.
Final Judgments in Lawyer Discipline: Why They Cannot Be Reopened
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment.
Election Controversies Determining Jurisdiction In Proxy Validation Disputes
When a proxy dispute affects director elections, regular courts—not the SEC—have jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this case.
Dismissal of Action: Intervenors' Rights and the Duty to Diligently Prosecute Claims
When a case is dismissed for failure to prosecute, intervenors generally lose their right to continue the suit. The Supreme Court explains why diligence matters.
Corporate Membership Dues: Who Pays When Nominees Change
Supreme Court rules on whether golf clubs can charge new membership fees when corporate members replace their nominees.
Property Division After Void Marriages: The Barrido v. Nonato Ruling
Explaining how the Supreme Court divides property acquired during void marriages under Article 147 of the Family Code.
Disbarment for Bigamy Upholding Marital Sanctity and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat bigamy as a grave offense affecting a lawyer's moral fitness and professional standing.
Seafarers Heart Disease Proving THE Link Between Work AND Illness FOR Disability Benefits
A seafarer's stroke was ruled work-related and compensable. Learn how the Supreme Court proved the link between work and illness.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: The Imminent Danger of Insolvency Standard
When can a judgment be executed before appeal is final? The Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard and a surety's exposure on an injunction bond.
Annulment of Judgment vs. Affidavit of Reappearance: Fraudulent Presumptive Death Declarations
When a presumptive death declaration is obtained by fraud, the Supreme Court clarifies why annulment of judgment—not an affidavit of reappearance—is the proper remedy.
Judicial Accountability: Supreme Court Sanctions Judge for Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court holds judge liable for grave abuse of authority, misconduct, and insubordination despite his resignation, affirming judicial accountability.
Forged Documents and Land Titles: Protecting Registered Owners From Fraudulent Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles under Republic Act No. 26, protecting registered owners from fraud.
PEZA Tax Exemption Clarified: Who Can Claim Excise Tax Refunds
Supreme Court clarifies that PEZA-registered enterprises can claim excise tax refunds on petroleum products used indirectly in their operations.
Treachery in Jailhouse Killings: Conspiracy and Criminal Liability Explained
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to convict inmates who murdered jail guards and carnapped a vehicle during a prison break.