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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VAT Refund Claims Strict Deadlines Apply Even If Payment IS Belated
Philippine Supreme Court rules VAT refund claims must be filed within two years from the taxable quarter's close, not from payment date.
Conditional Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is actually a contract to sell, and why full payment matters for ownership transfer.
Contractual Obligations: Signing an Agreement Means Being Bound by Its Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why signing a contract binds parties even when they claim misunderstanding or lack of consideration.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Why Missing the Deadline Is Fatal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an employer's failure to post an appeal bond within 10 days makes a Labor Arbiter's decision final and executory.
Employee Dismissal: When Courts Can Look Beyond the Termination Notice
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether courts may consider grounds beyond those stated in an employee's termination notice in illegal dismissal cases.
Authority TO Sell Written Power IS KEY To Valid Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Estate of Lino Olaguer clarifies when a written power of attorney is required for valid real estate sales.
Simulated Business Closure Employer Liability FOR Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a simulated business closure constitutes illegal dismissal and employer liability.
Contempt of Court: Due Process and Just Penalties in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the proper procedure and penalties for indirect contempt, emphasizing due process rights.
Ejectment Actions Co Owners Rights AND Barangay Conciliation Compliance IN Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment, co-owner rights to sue, and barangay conciliation requirements in lease disputes.
When a Father's Betrayal Meets the Eyes of Justice: Re-evaluating Guilt in Incestuous Rape Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how incestuous rape is proven, why a victim's testimony carries weight, and what penalties and damages the law imposes.
Election Gun Ban vs Illegal Firearm Possession: Avoiding Double Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person can be convicted of illegal firearm possession during an election gun ban period.
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.
Closure vs. Retrenchment: Proving Losses in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a business closure is treated as retrenchment, requiring proof of substantial losses.
Divorce by Faskh: New Grounds After a Prior Dismissal Is Not Barred by Res Judicata
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dismissed divorce by faskh petition does not bar a new one due to new grounds.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.
Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder: People v. Goleas
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction despite witness inconsistencies and defense alibi, explaining treachery and witness credibility rules.
Certiorari Not the Remedy to Appeal Disqualification Rulings After Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot replace appeal in challenging a judge's denial of a motion for inhibition after final judgment.
Balancing Efficiency and Due Process: Admissibility of Additional Evidence After Pre-Trial
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow additional evidence after pre-trial without violating due process.
Tenant or Laborer: Resolving Land Disputes and Compensation Rights in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when farm workers are tenants, not laborers, and how compensation agreements affect agrarian reform disputes.
Prior Possession Prevails: Resolving Forcible Entry Disputes in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—determines who stays on the property.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet and Tenancy Rights in Philippine Land Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a tenant's right of redemption requires proof of a valid tenancy relationship with the true landowner.
Right of Way When a Promise Isn't a Guarantee in Property Sales
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company's promise to extend a contract becomes binding, and the limits of corporate liability.
Finality of Judgment Prevails: Compromise Agreements Do Not Erase Criminal Liability in Estafa Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa: compromise agreements and payment do not extinguish criminal liability once judgment becomes final.
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.