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.
VAT Liability and Contractual Stipulations: Lessons from Mendiola v. Commerz Trading
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears VAT liability when a contract shifts tax burden—and who must pay the BIR.
Eyewitness Testimony in Rape with Homicide Cases: Credibility and the Weight of a Single Witness
How Philippine courts assess the credibility of a single eyewitness in rape with homicide cases, explained through a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Demand Is Key: Determining the Prescription Period for Unlawful Detainer in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that the one-year period for unlawful detainer is counted from the last demand to vacate, not from the date of non-payment.
Indispensable Parties: Why Government Agencies Must Be Included in Correction of Public Record Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a correction of birth date ruling because government agencies were not impleaded as indispensable parties. Learn the rules.
Upholding Client Loyalty Disciplinary Action FOR Attorneys Representing Conflicting Interests IN THE Philippin
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. The Supreme Court explains the rule on conflicting interests and its consequences.
Receivership: A Harsh Remedy That Requires Imminent Danger of Loss
The Supreme Court clarifies that receivership is an extreme remedy, requiring proof of imminent danger of loss, not mere financial need.
Proper Documentation Matters: When Belated Birth Registration Fails in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullified a correction of birth date in police service records for lack of indispensable parties and weak evidence. Learn the rules.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between business closure and retrenchment under Philippine labor law, and when separation pay is required.
Self-Defense or Murder? The Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and a killing becomes murder, explaining unlawful aggression, treachery, and reasonable force.
When Administrative Tribunals Overstep: COSLAP Jurisdiction and the Dream Village Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies COSLAP's limited jurisdiction over land disputes involving titled government property reserved for public purpose.
Strict Compliance with Publication Rule Is Jurisdictional in Title Reconstitution
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with the 30-day publication requirement in reconstitution cases deprives courts of jurisdiction.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why minor procedural lapses do not automatically acquit an accused.
Rape and Consent: Why Love Does Not Justify Sexual Assault in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that being sweethearts is not a license for non-consensual sex, upholding rape convictions and clarifying the sweetheart defense.
Upholding Prior Possession in Forcible Entry and the Burden of Proof in Property Disputes
Philippine Tourism Authority v. Sabandal-Herzenstiel clarifies prior possession and burden of proof in forcible entry cases.
Presidential Prerogative vs Artistic Integrity: The National Artist Awards Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to confer the Order of National Artists and its limits under Philippine law.
No Separation Pay for Employees Dismissed for Cause: Key Labor Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employees validly dismissed for just causes like breach of trust are not entitled to separation pay.
Betrayal of Trust: Convicting a Father for the Rape of His Daughter in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape of his minor daughter, explaining the rules on credibility, force, and penalties.
Simulated Sales: When Intent to Transfer Ownership Is Absent
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Formaran v. Ong as a guide.
Heirship Disputes Must Be Resolved in Special Proceedings, Not Ordinary Civil Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that determining legal heirs requires a special proceeding, not an ordinary action for reconveyance.
Expert Testimony Admissibility and the Courts' Discretion in Evidence
When can courts disqualify an expert witness? The Supreme Court clarifies that only specific grounds under the Rules of Court justify exclusion.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Consolidation of Cases Ensuring Judicial Efficiency and Preventing Conflicting Rulings
Explore how consolidating related cases promotes judicial efficiency and prevents conflicting rulings, with insights from Philippine Supreme Court practice.
Words Matter: Simple Misconduct and the Limits of Free Speech for Public Servants
A Sandiganbayan security guard's vulgar outburst at co-workers was simple misconduct, not grave. The ruling clarifies free speech limits for public servants.
Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails in Protecting the State's Interest in Prosecuting Corruption
Supreme Court rules courts should defer to Ombudsman's grant of immunity to state witnesses in corruption cases, protecting prosecutorial discretion.