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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Sheriffs Authority Exercising DUE Care IN Demolition Orders TO Protect Third Party Rights
Repatriation and Citizenship: Strict Requirements for Reacquiring Filipino Citizenship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for repatriation under RA 8171, including political or economic necessity and proper procedure.
Situs of Service Determines Income Tax Liability for Nonresident Aliens in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that for nonresident aliens, income tax depends on where services are actually rendered, not where the payor resides.
Aliens Cannot Recover Funds for Land Bought in a Filipino's Name
Supreme Court rules an alien who bought Philippine land in a Filipino spouse's name cannot claim reimbursement, upholding the constitutional ban on foreign land ownership.
Quitclaims and Retirement Benefits: Protecting Employees From Unfair Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court rules quitclaims cannot waive judgment awards if payment covers only retirement benefits. Learn the safeguards.
Exclusive Venue Stipulations: When "Exclusively" Means What It Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractual venue stipulation is truly exclusive and binding on the parties.
Limits on Self-Representation When a Lawyer Is Required in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may appear without counsel and why mixing self-representation with a lawyer's appearance is not allowed.
Bigamy and Expired Notarial Commission: When a Lawyer’s Private Life Triggers Discipline
A lawyer’s bigamous second marriage and notarizing without a commission led to a four-year suspension. Here’s what the Court ruled.
Restarting the Clock: Minimum Corporate Income Tax and the Revival of Thrift Banks
When a closed bank reopens as a thrift bank, when does its MCIT grace period begin? The Supreme Court settles the rule.
Res Judicata: How a Final Judgment Prevents Relitigation of the Same Issue
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of settled issues, using a Philippine Supreme Court case on a disputed deed of donation.
MCIT Grace Period for Reopened Banks: The Manila Banking Corporation Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank that reopens after receivership starts its four-year MCIT grace period under the Tax Code.
When Public Duty and Private Conduct Collide: A Judge’s Venue Ruling Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms a judge’s dismissal of a case for improper venue, clarifying exclusive venue stipulations in loan contracts.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: Mandamus Not a Remedy When Fees Are Redetermined
When a probate court redetermines attorney's fees, a prior writ of execution is superseded, and mandamus cannot compel its enforcement.
Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal OF Criminal Charges DUE TO Prosecutorial Delay
Explore how prosecutorial delay impacts speedy trial rights and when criminal charges may be dismissed in the Philippines.
When Can NEA Administrators Suspend or Remove Electric Cooperative Officers
Supreme Court clarifies when NEA administrators may validly suspend or remove electric cooperative officers under PD 269.
Tenancy vs Ownership: When Claiming the Land Defeats Tenant Status
Supreme Court clarifies when a person cannot claim both tenancy and ownership over agricultural land, and which court has jurisdiction.
Upholding Decorum: Judicial Employees' Duty to Maintain Respect and Civility in the Workplace
Court employees must maintain civility and respect at all times. Gross discourtesy warrants suspension under Civil Service rules.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
Supreme Court acquits three DPWH officials charged with falsifying road project completion reports, stressing good faith and lack of personal participation.
Unconscionable Greed: Attorney's Fees Must Be Reasonable and Just
Philippine Supreme Court nullifies P50M attorney's fee claim, ruling lawyers' compensation must be reasonable, not driven by greed.
Premature Partition: Estate Settlement Before Property Distribution
When heirs can and cannot demand partition of a decedent's property before estate settlement proceedings are completed.
Safeguarding Attorney Integrity: The Imperative of Clear Evidence in Disbarment Cases
Disbarment requires clear, convincing evidence. This article explains the standard of proof and due process in lawyer discipline cases.
Tax Refund vs Deficiency: The Rules on Set-Off in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tax refunds can be set off against tax deficiencies, and the limits of compromise agreements in tax settlements.
Corporate Authority and Debt: When a Corporation Is Not Liable for Its President’s Loan
A corporation is not liable for a president’s personal loan unless authorized or ratified. Learn the rules from a 2006 Supreme Court case.
GSIS v. Villamayor: When Illness Is Not Work-Related, No Death Benefits
Supreme Court denies GSIS death benefits for breast cancer death, ruling claimants must prove work connection, not just illness.