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.
Public Use Prevails Over Private Claims in Road Right-of-Way Dispute
Supreme Court rules that road rights-of-way are public dominion property, and private claimants cannot demand just compensation for land never validly acquired.
Supreme Court Dismisses Baseless Complaint Against CA Justice and Lawyer
The Supreme Court dismissed unverified complaints against a Court of Appeals justice and a lawyer, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence in administrative cases.
Forged Signatures and Imprescriptibility in Co-Ownership Property Disputes
Forged deed transfers property by fraud; co-owner in possession can file imprescriptible quieting of title action.
Protecting Press Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Interest Reporting
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on actual malice, qualified privilege, and libel in reporting on public officials' conduct.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Compensation Claims: Work Conditions and Illness Causation
Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is work-related and how delayed disability ratings affect permanent total disability claims.
Right of Way vs Just Compensation: Property Disputes in Infrastructure Projects
When government projects use private land, a pre-existing right of way can bar compensation claims. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Tax Assumption vs. Tax Exemption: Who Pays When International Agreements Are Involved
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between tax assumption and tax exemption in Mitsubishi Corporation v. CIR, and who bears the tax burden.
Tax Assumption vs. Tax Exemption: The Mitsubishi Ruling on Government-Promised Tax Relief
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government's promise to assume taxes binds the state—and when it doesn't—in this landmark Philippine tax case.
Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts: Police Power, Not Eminent Domain
The Supreme Court upheld the 20% senior citizen and PWD medicine discounts as a valid exercise of police power, not eminent domain requiring just compensation.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's disability grading prevails over a seafarer's private doctor in POEA-SEC claims.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: How Courts Value Expropriated Property
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, using Republic v. Heirs of Santiago as guide.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Payment Becomes Final Despite a Reversed Award
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120-day rule, and when conditional payment becomes final satisfaction of judgment.
Automatic Revocation Clauses in Donations: When Breach Immediately Returns the Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that automatic revocation clauses in donations take effect immediately upon breach, without need for judicial action.
Timely Disability Claims: Seafarers' Rights and Employer Obligations Under POEA-SEC
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarers' disability claims, the 120/240-day rule, and why timely filing matters under POEA-SEC.
Valid Consignation Demands Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements
Learn when depositing rent in a bank account is not valid consignation, and what the law requires for debt payment.
When a Bank's Deposit of Rent Is Not Valid Consignation: PNB v. Chan
The Supreme Court explains why depositing disputed rent in a savings account is not valid consignation, and the consequences of delay.
Submarine Cables as Taxable Real Property: Supreme Court Clarifies Local Government Authority
The Supreme Court rules submarine cables are taxable real property, affirming local governments' power to impose real property tax on these assets.
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.
Quorum Quagmire: Can Non-Unit Owners Decide a Condo's Fate?
Supreme Court rules on quorum in condo meetings, membership of owner-developers, and who can sit on the board.
Protecting Seafarers' Permanent Partial Disability and the Right to Compensation
Supreme Court rules seafarers can claim permanent partial disability benefits even if injury is curable or not in POEA schedule.
Union Dues Increase: Supreme Court Requires Strict Compliance for Agency Fees
The Supreme Court ruled that increased union agency fees require strict compliance with Labor Code approval and documentation requirements.
When a "Lawyer" Is Not a Lawyer: Due Process and the Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court voids a conviction where the accused was represented by a fake lawyer, stressing the absolute right to counsel.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases: Conviction Void When "Lawyer" Is Not a Bar Member
When a criminal defendant is represented by someone who is not a lawyer, the conviction violates due process and must be set aside.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Adherence to POEA Contract Procedures Required
SC ruling in Calimlim v. Wallem Maritime: seafarers must follow POEA-SEC procedures, including third-doctor referral, or company physician's assessment stands.