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.
Franchise Tax After EPIRA: NPC's Liability and the Limits of Local Government Power
The Supreme Court clarifies when the local franchise tax applies after EPIRA, nullifying Bataan's levy on NPC properties.
Trademark Infringement and Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Non-Payment of Premium and Insurance Coverage Validity: The Gaisano Case
When is an insurance policy valid? The Supreme Court clarifies that non-payment of premium before loss means no coverage.
Estafa by Concealing Documents: What the Capulong Case Teaches About Fraud and Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when concealing documents like a vehicle's OR-CR amounts to estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Homicide vs Murder: When Treachery and Evident Premeditation Fail in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, because treachery and evident premeditation were not proven.
Judicial Appointments: The President's Prerogative vs the JBC's Mandate
The Supreme Court ruled that the JBC's clustering of nominees for judicial vacancies is unconstitutional, affirming the President's appointing power.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Grave Misconduct in Fee-Fixing Scandal
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for grave misconduct—soliciting fees from litigants and unauthorized withdrawal of publication fees.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: What Philippine Law Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and not regular employees, and what this means for termination rights.
When Can the Military Publicly Disclose Disbarment Proceedings? The Roque Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when public disclosure of disbarment proceedings violates the confidentiality rule, balancing free speech with lawyer protections.
Balancing Confidentiality and Free Expression: The Limits of Disbarment Publicity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when public statements about disbarment complaints violate the confidentiality rule and when they are protected speech.
When a Non-Profit Hospital Still Pays Income Tax: The St. Luke's Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when a charitable hospital's income from paying patients becomes taxable under the NIRC.
Eyewitness Identification and Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when eyewitness identification suffices and why treachery must be proven, not presumed, in Philippine criminal cases.
Tax on Non-Profit Hospitals: Balancing Charity and Commerce in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that non-profit hospitals like St. Luke's pay 10% tax on income from paying patients, balancing charity and commerce.
Defamation and Free Speech: Balancing Criticism and Accountability in Libel Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when statements in legal pleadings lose privileged communication protection and become libelous.
Third Party Claims in Execution: Protecting Property Rights Under Rule 39
Learn how third-party claimants can protect property wrongly levied in execution, and why certiorari is not the right remedy.
Pre-Trial Appearances and Summary Judgment Motions: Pascual v. First Consolidated Rural Bank
Explaining when summary judgment motions can be filed, and why skipping pre-trial remains fatal even with a pending motion.
Construction Delays and Liquidated Damages: Defining Substantial Completion in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages stop accruing in construction delays—actual substantial completion, not projections, matters.
Presumption of Work Relatedness Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits
SC ruling clarifies that seafarers' non-listed illnesses enjoy a disputable presumption of work-relatedness, easing their burden of proof.
Third-Party Claims in Property Execution: PSALM v. Maunlad Homes Explained
Learn how Philippine law protects third-party property owners from wrongful levy during judgment execution, based on PSALM v. Maunlad Homes.
Dismissal of Administrative Complaints Upholding the Presumption of Regularity in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against court officials, reaffirming the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Justice and Judicial Discretion in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of execution pending appeal and the requirements for claiming injunction bonds in Abenion v. Pilipinas Shell.
Supreme Court: A Signed Check Creates a Presumption of Debt Even Without Written Contract
The Supreme Court rules that a signed, dishonored check is enough to prove an obligation, even without a written contract or delivery receipts.
Insurance Policy Incontestability Clarifying Reinstatement Dates And Insurer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the incontestability period starts after policy reinstatement, and what insurers must prove to deny claims.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Duty to Remit Funds in Agency Agreements
When can an agent withhold funds from a principal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an agent's right of retention and the duty to remit.