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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Judicial Accountability When Misinterpreting Circulars Leads to Liability
Supreme Court clarifies that Circular No. 3-89 covers only administrative cases, not criminal cases against judges; a judge's misinterpretation can result in administrative liability.
Right to Counsel and Due Process: The High Cost of Delay in Drug Offenses
A Supreme Court ruling shows how procedural lapses and missing evidence can unravel drug convictions, underscoring the need for airtight cases.
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from CIR v. General Foods
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when large advertising expenses are deductible business costs or capital outlays for goodwill.
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. General F
Supreme Court ruling on when media advertising expenses are deductible business expenses or capital outlays for goodwill.
When Consent Doesnt Protect Kidnapping for Ransom and the Limits of Voluntary Association
The Supreme Court affirms death sentences for kidnappers, rejecting claims that voluntary surrender as rebels shields them from common crime liability.
Dead Man's Statute: Protecting Estates and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Dead Man's Statute's scope, balancing estate protection against fair trial rights in claims against deceased persons.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds are void and why buyers must verify titles and possession before purchasing property.
Instigation Is Not a Defense Against Valid Employee Dismissal for Drug Use
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether instigation by an employer can shield an employee from dismissal for using prohibited drugs at work.
Illegitimacy, Inheritance Rights, and Marital Presumptions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on paraphernal property, contract of adhesion, and unconscionable interest rates shows how Philippine law protects borrowers and spouses.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: A Judge's Duty to Resolve Motions Promptly
Supreme Court holds judges must resolve motions within prescribed periods; lack of personnel is no excuse for delay.
Option to Buy: Exercising Rights Without Immediate Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an option to buy can be exercised without immediate payment, but only under specific conditions.
When Contractors Overstate Work: COA's Audit Power and Quantum Meruit in Government Projects
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine actual work accomplished and recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit.
When Retirement Is Not Voluntary: Illegal Dismissal and Security of Tenure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's "retirement" is actually illegal dismissal, protecting security of tenure.
Probationary Employment Due Process and Termination Standards in the Philippine Civil Service
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probationary employee termination rules, due process requirements, and civil service tenure protections.
Labor Disputes vs Torts: When Claims Fall Outside NLRC Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor arbiters and NLRC lack jurisdiction over tort claims that do not arise from employer-employee relations.
Purchasers Beware: Rule 74 Section 4 Annotations and Real Estate Risk
A Supreme Court ruling explains why buyers cannot claim good faith when a title bears a Rule 74, Section 4 annotation.
Property Rights vs Due Process: When Forceful Eviction Is Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: owners cannot forcibly eject occupants, even trespassers, without court order. Know your rights.
Force, Theft, and Rape: How the Supreme Court Weighs Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In a 2003 rape case, the Supreme Court acquitted two men after finding the complainant's testimony riddled with inconsistencies. Here is what the ruling teaches.
When Is a Shipping Company a Common Carrier? Lessons from Philamgen v. PKS Shipping
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a shipping firm is a common carrier and how extraordinary diligence affects liability for lost cargo.
Forcible Entry: Why Even Property Owners Cannot Eject Occupants by Force
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: owners cannot forcibly eject occupants, even trespassers. Learn the legal remedies for recovering possession.
Prescription and Work-Related Illness: Protecting Employees' Right to Compensation
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a widow's employees' compensation claim, ruling on prescription periods and work-related heart attacks.
Rent Obligations Remain Lease Contracts Survive Land Ownership Changes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a change in land ownership cancels a lease contract and excuses unpaid rent.
Judicial Accountability When Judges Notarize Outside Their Authority
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the power to notarize ex officio is narrow, and that notarizing a document without the affiant present is a serious breach.
Meralco Rate Case: Balancing Public Interest and Utility Profits in Philippine Power Regulation
The Supreme Court affirms rate regulation balancing utility profits and consumer protection in a landmark Meralco case.