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.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Tax Avoidance Becomes Evasion
The Supreme Court explains when tax planning crosses the line into tax evasion, and when a stockholder's estate can be held liable for corporate tax deficiencies.
Strikes and Due Process: Balancing Labor Rights and Employer Prerogatives in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine labor law balances workers' right to strike against employer prerogatives, with due process at the core.
Power Lines and Property Rights: Determining Just Compensation for Easements
When power lines cross private land, is the owner owed an easement fee or full property value? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Authorized Driver Clause and Police Blotters in Insurance Claims
When can an insurer deny a claim based on the authorized driver clause? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary weight of police blotters.
Advertising Expenses and Tax Deductions: Ordinary vs. Capital Outlay in the Philippines
Philippine tax law on advertising deductions: when a colossal ad spend becomes a capital outlay, not an ordinary expense.
Good Faith Prevails: Exoneration From Dishonesty Charges in Veteran Preference Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules good faith and truthfulness defeat dishonesty charges in veteran preference claims, allowing reinstatement with back salaries.
Checks as Guarantee in Loan Agreements: No Estafa Without Deceit
Supreme Court clarifies that postdated checks as loan guarantees do not constitute estafa absent proof of fraud or deceit.
How Youth and Voluntary Surrender Affect Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when voluntary surrender is a mitigating circumstance and how self-defense claims are judged.
Court Employees' Private Misconduct: When Personal Dealings Undermine Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that honesty and integrity are required even in their personal and private dealings.
When Corporate Veil Claims Fail: Lessons from the Behest Loan Case
The Supreme Court explains when the Ombudsman may dismiss fraud complaints against corporate officers and why evidence of conspiracy matters.
Eminent Domain vs Urban Development: Balancing Public Need and Property Rights in Manila
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal: The Vitarich Case
Philippine law requires more than an employer's mere assertion of lost trust to justify dismissal. Learn the rules from Vitarich v. NLRC.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Understanding Large-Scale Fraud and Estafa
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal recruitment in large scale from estafa, the penalties involved, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
People v. Laguerta: Why Clear Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Rape Cases
In People v. Laguerta, the Supreme Court acquitted a rape convict due to inconsistent victim testimony, convicting him instead of acts of lasciviousness.
Lumber Transport in the Philippines: Private Land, Permits, and the Revised Forestry Code
A look at when transporting lumber from private land still requires DENR documents, and how courts compute penalties under the Forestry Code.
Demolition Requires Special Court Order: Morta v. Sañez and Due Process
A writ of execution does not authorize demolition. A special court order after notice and hearing is required under Rule 39, Section 10(d).
Protecting Dreams Preventing Scams Lessons From The Linda Sagaydo Illegal Recruitment Case
The Supreme Court affirmed Linda Sagaydo's conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, offering key lessons for overseas job seekers.
Partition Inter Vivos and Torrens Title Protection: Lessons from Zaragoza v. Morgan
Philippine law allows property owners to partition estates during their lifetime, but only if legitimes are respected and titles are challenged directly.
Subleasing Without Landlord Consent: Ejectment Risks in Philippine Unlawful Detainer Cases
Sublessees without landlord consent face eviction when the main lease ends. Learn the rules from Jimenez v. Patricia, Inc.
Sheriff’s Authority in Property Levy: What Francisco v. Cruz Teaches About Execution Sales
Learn how Francisco v. Cruz defines a sheriff’s limits in property levy and execution sales, and how to protect your rights.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Agreements: A Guide for Philippine Landlords and Tenants
Learn how extrajudicial rescission of lease contracts works in the Philippines, including legal grounds, notice requirements, and practical tips for landlords and tenants.
When Presence at the Scene of an Illegal Act Becomes Misconduct: A Philippine Legal Guide
Explore how Philippine law treats presence at an illegal act as misconduct, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Casingal as a guide.
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Good Faith Fails as a Defense
Good faith may defend falsification charges, but it must be proven. Resoso v. Sandiganbayan shows why authorization and documentation matter.