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.
Tax Exemption Start Dates for Pioneer Enterprises Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 6-year local tax holiday for BOI-registered pioneer enterprises begins and NPC's tax liability.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proof of Written Notice of Dishonor: The Sia Case
Conviction under the Bouncing Checks Law requires proof the accused received written notice of dishonor. The Sia case explains why.
Condominium Living Enforcing Brochure Promises and Addressing Building Defects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on condominium buyers' rights, brochure promises as warranties, and remedies for building defects under PD 957.
Forged Documents and Ethical Boundaries: Attorney Accountability in Court Submissions
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability, damages, and the ethical duty of lawyers to verify documents before court submission.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Sales to Avoid Labor Judgments Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold owners liable for obligations, including labor judgments.
When Can You Challenge an Order Denying a Motion to Dismiss? The Caballes Case
The Supreme Court explains why an order denying a motion to dismiss is interlocutory and cannot be questioned via certiorari.
When a Lawyer Turns Against a Client: The Price of Delayed Justice
A lawyer who filed a baseless reformation suit against former clients to profit from their land's rising value was suspended for gross misconduct.
Judicial Stability vs Land Disputes: Resolving Conflicting Property Rights Claims
The Supreme Court explains how the doctrine of judicial stability bars courts from interfering with co-equal courts' judgments in property disputes.
Perfected Contract of Sale vs Ejectment: Clarifying Obligations in Property Law
Supreme Court clarifies rules on ejectment, supersedeas bonds, and procedural requirements in property disputes under Philippine law.
15-Day Deadline for Appealing HLURB Decisions to the Office of the President
Learn the strict 15-day appeal period for HLURB decisions to the Office of the President, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Maxima Realty.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Property Rights Lessons from Tala Realty vs. Banco Filipino
A Supreme Court ruling on lease contracts, good faith, and the limits of property rights under Philippine law.
Court Can Grant Unprayed Relief When Facts Warrant It: Arroyo v. Taduran
Supreme Court affirms P500,000 award despite no prayer for indemnity, citing judicial admissions and the rule on relief based on factual allegations.
Mining Rights vs National Patrimony: The La Bugal Case on Foreign Control of Philippine Resources
Explaining the Supreme Court's La Bugal ruling on the Philippine Mining Act and foreign ownership limits over the country's mineral resources.
Preliminary Injunctions Preserving THE STATUS QUO IN Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts handle preliminary injunctions and the status quo in contract disputes, with key rules on forum shopping.
Conjugal Property Rights Clarifying Ownership AND Sale Validity IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conjugal property shares, sale validity, and co-ownership rights in a landmark Quezon City land dispute.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for piercing the corporate veil and holding a parent liable for subsidiary obligations.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court dismisses two clerks of court for misappropriating judiciary funds, affirming that public trust breach warrants the ultimate penalty.
Trademark Protection for Well-Known Marks Extends to Unrelated Goods Under IP Code
The Supreme Court clarifies how Section 123.1(f) of the IP Code protects well-known marks like Rolex even against use on unrelated goods or services.
Accountability in Armed Robbery: Redefining Liability Through Criminal Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal conspiracy in robbery with homicide, explaining liability for all participants and penalty rules.
Annulment of NLRC Judgments: Why the Court of Appeals Lacks Jurisdiction
Explore why the Court of Appeals cannot annul NLRC decisions and the risks of forum shopping in labor cases.
Jurisdiction Over Civil Service Disputes: The CSC's Exclusive Role
Learn why the Civil Service Commission, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over personnel disputes involving government employees.
Moral Turpitude and Professional Responsibility: When a Lawyer's Personal Conduct Affects Their Career
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for immorality and for creating the appearance of influencing judges.
Lost Cargo Liability: Fire Does Not Excuse Common Carrier's Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court rules fire is not an exempting cause under the Civil Code, holding carriers liable for lost cargo.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Five-Six Lending
When is a deed of sale actually a mortgage? The Supreme Court protects borrowers in five-six lending schemes.