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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Deadline Compliance Is Key: Loss of Mining Rights Due to FTAA Application Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to meet FTAA relinquishment deadlines under DMO 97-07 results in automatic cancellation of mining applications.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Warning and Vulnerability in Determining Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how treachery is determined, even when a victim receives a verbal warning before a sudden attack.
Shared Maritime Tragedy Determining Liability In Collision At Sea
The MV Doña Paz and MT Vector collision case clarifies liability rules for common carriers and vessel owners in Philippine maritime law.
Determining Heirship A Prerequisite TO Civil Actions Involving Inheritance Rights
Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Legal Factors and Fair Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts should determine just compensation for agrarian reform lands under R.A. 6657 and DAR formula.
Treachery and Accountability: Examining Guilt in the Santa Elena Murders
A look at how the Supreme Court affirmed murder and frustrated murder convictions, applying treachery rules in the Santa Elena killings.
Burden of Proof in Tax Refund Claims: Taxpayers Must Provide Sufficient Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Atlas Consolidated Mining clarifies that taxpayers claiming VAT refunds must present complete documentary evidence.
Compromise Agreements in Mining Disputes: The Binding Force of MOUs and the Duty of Speedy Disposition
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Memorandum of Understanding becomes a binding compromise agreement in mining disputes, and why tribunals need not wait indefinitely for parties to settle.
Shares of Stock and Due Diligence: Examining the Duty to Verify Ownership in Legal Disputes
A look at Jimmy T. Go v. Abrogar, where the Supreme Court ruled on the duty to verify share ownership before claiming attachment rights.
Bigamous Marriage and Property Rights: When No Contribution Means No Co-Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property acquired during a bigamous marriage and the crucial role of actual contribution in determining ownership.
Force and Intimidation in Rape Cases: The Victim's Perspective Under the Anti-Rape Law
Examining how courts assess force and intimidation in rape cases through the victim's perspective, as illustrated in People v. Soriano.
Ballot Integrity Examining Comelecs Discretion IN Election Result Validation
Rape AND THE Element OF Force Examining THE Totality OF Circumstances IN Philippine LAW
Accountability Under the Law: Examining Guilt in Robbery With Physical Injuries Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bystander becomes a co-principal in robbery with physical injuries, and the limits of conspiracy.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Examining the Dismissal of Rape Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss a rape case for lack of probable cause, and when such dismissal constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Jurisdictional Thresholds Determining Court Competence Over Monetary Claims
Dismissal for Grave Misconduct: Upholding Integrity in Court Administration
Explore how the Supreme Court upholds accountability in court administration, examining dismissal for grave misconduct and its impact on judicial integrity.
Redundancy and Release: Examining the Validity of Dismissal and Waiver in Philippine Labor Law
A look at when redundancy dismissals are valid and when quitclaims bar illegal dismissal claims, based on a PLDT case.
Liability IN Kidnapping Examining THE Importance OF Positive Identification AND DUE Process
Just Compensation IN Eminent Domain Determining Fair Market Value IN THE Philippines
Mining vs Forestry Rights: When Timber Licenses Don't Block Mining Operations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that timber license holders cannot block mining applications, explaining consent vs notice rules under the Mining Act.
Perfecting Mining Rights: The Crucial Role of Timely Appeals and Procedural Compliance
Understand why timely appeals and strict procedural compliance are essential in perfecting mining rights under Philippine law.
Liability IN Illegal Strikes Determining Employee Involvement AND Employer Responsibility
Interest Rate Dynamics Determining Proper Compensation In Contractual Rescission
Learn how Philippine courts determine interest rates and compensation when contracts are rescinded, using the BPI-Family Savings Bank case as a guide.