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.
Local Tax Assessments After Corporate Restructuring: Who Pays?
Supreme Court rules on who bears local business tax liability when a government corporation's operations transfer by law to another entity.
Party List Proportionality: Supreme Court Upholds BANAT Formula in Seat Allocation
The Supreme Court upholds the BANAT formula for party-list seat allocation, rejecting claims that it violates the one person, one vote principle.
One Vote, Unequal Weight: Party-List Seat Allocation and Equal Protection in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the party-list seat allocation formula under RA 7941, rejecting claims of vote double-counting and equal protection violations.
The Doctrine of Reasonable Reliance: When Public Officials Are Not Liable for Subordinates' Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that heads of office may rely on subordinates in good faith, reversing a gross neglect finding against a Registrar of Deeds.
CLOA Cancellation and Indefeasibility of Titles in Agrarian Reform Cases
When can a Certificate of Land Ownership Award be cancelled? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of DAR jurisdiction and the indefeasibility of agrarian titles.
When Evidence Is Tainted: Marking Seized Drugs and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to mark seized drugs immediately can break the chain of custody and lead to acquittal.
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.
When a Spouse's Consent Is Missing: Void Mortgages and Conjugal Liability
A mortgage on conjugal property without the other spouse's consent is void, but the loan itself may still bind the family.
Breach of Contract and Surety Bonds: When Extensions Don't Discharge a Surety
A contractor's failure to complete works on time triggers liability for breach and its surety's bond, even when extensions are granted.
Inducement in Homicide: When Words Lead to Criminal Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Ambagan v. People on when spoken words can make a person liable as principal by inducement in homicide.
Corporate Responsibility Enforcing Contracts Despite Technicalities
Supreme Court clarifies corporate rehabilitation rules, HLURB receiver requests, and 180-day plan approval periods in Lexber v. Dalman.
When Public Use Fails: Reclaiming Expropriated Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when former owners can reclaim expropriated property after the public purpose is abandoned.
Contract to Sell Default: When Sellers Can Cancel and Keep the Property Off the Market
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's failure to pay installments in a contract to sell justifies cancellation by the seller.
When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
Eminent Domain Revisited: When Expropriated Land Must Be Returned After Public Use Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when former owners can reclaim expropriated property if the public purpose is abandoned or never pursued.
Upholding Election Law Amendments Ensuring Fair And Transparent Elections
The Supreme Court upheld RA 9369's constitutionality, affirming Congress's power to amend election laws for transparency, credibility, fairness, and accuracy.
Real Property Tax: Who Is the Actual User in a BOT Agreement?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on real property tax exemption under a Build-Operate-Transfer agreement and who qualifies as actual user.
Breach of Contract: Enforcing Penalty Clauses in Government Projects
Explaining when penalty clauses bind contractors in government projects, based on a Supreme Court ruling on DBP and PD 1594.
Limits on Self-Representation When a Lawyer Is Required in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may appear without counsel and why mixing self-representation with a lawyer's appearance is not allowed.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Court Employee Misconduct: When a Clerk's Text Message Undermines Judicial Integrity
A court clerk's text to a sheriff about a pending custody order led to a fine for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Tax Exemption Start Dates for Pioneer Enterprises Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 6-year local tax holiday for BOI-registered pioneer enterprises begins and NPC's tax liability.
Judicial Accountability: Delay and Abuse of Authority in Search Warrant Issuance
A judge fined P15,000 for issuing a search warrant without authority and delaying resolution—lessons on judicial accountability.
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.