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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Tax Credit Certificates: Government's Right to Collect Taxes Remains Despite Alleged Fraud
Supreme Court ruling on tax credit certificates, government's right to collect taxes, and contractor payment disputes in Philippine construction contracts.
Invalid Service Nullifies Strike BAN Upholding Workers Rights TO Organize
Protecting Subdivision Buyers: Contracts to Sell Must Be Registered
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that subdivision developers must register contracts to sell with the Register of Deeds under P.D. 957.
Land Reclassification and Agrarian Reform: When Agricultural Land Stops Being Covered by CARL
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land reclassified as commercial before CARL's effectivity falls outside agrarian reform coverage.
Protecting the Vulnerable: A Child's Testimony as Proof in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a credible child victim's testimony alone can convict in rape cases, even without a broken hymen.
Agricultural Land Reclassification: Continued Use Does Not Override Prior Conversion
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prior land reclassification to commercial use affects agrarian reform coverage and tenant rights.
When Is Employee Termination Illegal? Key Rules from a Supreme Court Ruling
Learn when termination becomes illegal under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on unjustified dismissal and procedural lapses.
Forcible Entry: Actual Possession Trumps Claimed Ownership in Property Disputes
In forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—decides who stays. The Supreme Court explains why a deed alone is not enough.
Public Bidding Does Not Exempt Takay Projects From the Election Spending Ban
The Supreme Court upheld the Comelec's finding that takay or paquiao public works cannot escape the election ban on fund releases through a public bidding.
Upholding Employee Rights: Just Cause and Union Security in Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on closed-shop dismissals: substantive due process still applies even when a CBA mandates termination.
Security Deposits of Insurance Firms Shielded From Individual Claims Preserving Solvency FOR ALL Policyholders
Supreme Court rules insurance security deposits cannot be garnished by single claimants, protecting all policyholders' interests.
Mootness and Quashed Search Warrants: When a Case Dismissal Ends the Controversy
A dismissed criminal case can render a quashed search warrant issue moot. Learn the practical legal effect rule from this Supreme Court ruling.
Tax Exemptions for Philippine Airlines: Understanding the "In Lieu of All Other Taxes" Provision
The Supreme Court ruled that PAL's franchise tax option exempts it from all other taxes, including the 20% final withholding tax on bank deposits.
PAL Tax Refund Case: Interpreting "In Lieu of All Other Taxes" in Franchises
Supreme Court ruling on PAL's franchise tax exemption and refund of final withholding tax on passive income.
Loss of Confidence and Managerial Employees: When Dismissal Is Valid
Explains when employers may validly dismiss managerial employees for loss of confidence, citing the Velez v. Shangri-La's Edsa Plaza Hotel case.
When Can an Employer Dismiss a Managerial Employee in the Philippines? Trust and Breach of Trust
Understand when Philippine employers can validly dismiss managerial employees for breach of trust, including the legal requirements and limits.
When a Zero Tax Bill Still Means Exemption: PAL’s Franchise Tax Win Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that PAL’s franchise tax option exempts it from all other taxes, even when its chosen tax liability is zero.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies for Illegal Dismissal of Overseas Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local recruitment agencies remain solidarily liable for illegal dismissal of overseas Filipino workers.
Breach of Trust Ownership of Club Shares and Fiduciary Duties in Philippine Law
When a club share is transferred temporarily, a trust is created. The Supreme Court explains ownership, fiduciary duties, and the rules on implied trusts in Philippine law.
Negligence and Quasi-Delict: When Overtaking on the Shoulder Makes You Liable
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability of vehicle owners in traffic accidents under Philippine law.
Surveyor Negligence and Contractual Breach: When Professionals Are Liable for Damages
A surveyor's negligent placement of boundary monuments led to a fence encroaching on a right of way. The Court explains liability for breach of contract.
Forced Resignation vs Voluntary Retirement: Protecting Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that a worker who signed a retirement notice and quitclaim under company pressure was illegally dismissed, not voluntarily retired.
Self-Defense vs Treachery: When Killing Is Murder in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder. Learn the legal rules.
Substantial Justice vs Procedural Rigidity: Reinstating Labor Rights Despite Technicalities
When can courts relax procedural rules in labor cases? Panaga v. Court of Appeals explains the balance between technical compliance and substantial justice.