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.
When Can You Appeal a Denied Motion to Quash? The Basa Case Explained
Learn from Basa v. People when a denied motion to quash is appealable, and why interlocutory orders cannot be appealed prematurely.
Expanding Sandiganbayan's Reach: Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over officers of government-owned corporations, regardless of how they were created.
Void Marriages and Property Rights: Ownership in Cohabitation After Bigamous Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property ownership when a marriage is void due to bigamy. Learn the rules on co-ownership and creditor claims.
When Local Councils Overstep: Cable TV Franchises and the Limits of LGU Power
A look at Zoomzat v. People, where the Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot grant cable TV franchises—that power belongs to the NTC.
VAT Refund Eligibility for PEZA-Registered Enterprises: Key Lessons from Seagate
The Supreme Court clarifies when PEZA-registered enterprises can claim VAT refunds on capital goods, distinguishing exempt entities from exempt transactions.
When a Judge Goes Too Far: Territorial Limits on Philippine Court Proceedings
A judge held liable for conducting court proceedings in the US without authority, explaining the territorial limits of Philippine courts.
Extraordinary Diligence in Cargo Delivery: Common Carrier Responsibilities and Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier extraordinary diligence standards in cargo delivery disputes, balancing shipper protections with carrier defenses.
Good Faith Payments and Prior Satisfaction as Grounds for Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
Supreme Court acquits corporate officer in BP 22 case where the dishonored check was fully paid two years before charges were filed.
Letters of Credit and Construction Contracts: Defining Liability in Tripartite Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank is liable under a tripartite letter of credit agreement in construction financing.
Competitive Bidding and the Right to Top in Philippine Privatization: The J.G. Summit Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "right to top" in government privatization bidding is valid, and when losing bidders may be estopped from challenging the award.
Preliminary Injunctions Preserve Status Quo, Not Final Judgments — Key Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains why preliminary injunction orders are interlocutory, unappealable, and need not state full facts and law.
Double Sale in the Philippines: Who Has the Better Right to the Property?
Philippine law on double sales explained: when a property is sold twice, good faith, registration, and possession decide who owns it.
MTRCB Review Power Over TV Programs: The Inside Story Ruling on Freedom of Expression
Supreme Court affirms MTRCB authority to review all television programs, including public affairs shows, citing the Iglesia ni Cristo doctrine.
Burden of Proof in Estafa: Proving Deceit Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Bouncing Check Cases
Postdated checks don't automatically mean estafa. The Supreme Court explains why deceit must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Res Judicata and Annulment of Titles: DBP v. La Campana Development Corporation
When does a prior final judgment bar a new case? The Supreme Court explains res judicata's limits in DBP v. La Campana.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.
Brokers Commission Rights When Can a Seller Evade Payment After a Sale
Can a seller evade paying a broker's commission after a sale closes? This case explains when fees remain due.
Implied Admission: The Decisive Impact of Uncontested Requests in Philippine Courts
How a sheriff's failure to file a comment led to a finding of dishonesty and dismissal from service.
Credit Card Suspension and Moral Damages: When Breach of Contract Lacks Bad Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when credit card suspension without notice does not entitle cardholder to moral damages absent bad faith.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability in Estafa Cases
When can a corporate officer be personally liable for estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of corporate personality and criminal liability.
State Control vs Foreign Assistance: The Scope of Mining Agreements Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign-assisted mining agreements under Article XII must preserve state control, not bar foreign participation.
Dismissal of Complaint: Balancing Promptness and the Pursuit of Justice in Philippine Courts
When can a court dismiss a complaint for lack of authority and improper certification? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on real parties-in-interest and appeal remedies.
Who Pays Capital Gains Tax and Sale Registration Costs in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears capital gains tax and registration expenses in property sales, distinguishing obligations of individual and corporate sellers.
When Economic Hardship Doesnt Justify Termination: Separation Pay Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, separation pay, and backwages when economic hardship is not a valid cause for termination.