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.
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Manifestation of Intent to Participate in the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections
How to file a manifestation of intent to participate in the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, including the rules on accreditation and certification.
Halal Certification Philippines Export Requirements Under R.A. 10817
Halal certification for Philippine exports is governed by R.A. 10817. Learn the three mandatory requirements, the Halal Board, and the Philippine Halal Logo.
PAGCOR Live Dealer Game Content Approval: Guidelines for Online Casinos
How PAGCOR approves live dealer game content for online casinos — game provider rules, studio accreditation, lab certification, and the 47.50% license fee.
Proving Filing by Registered Mail: Timely Submission of Pleadings in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove the filing date of pleadings sent by registered mail, and why a postmaster's certification may not suffice.
Judicial Admission Can Prove Lack of Firearm License in Illegal Possession Cases
Supreme Court ruling: an accused's own admission in court can prove lack of a firearm license, without needing a PNP certification.
Mining Rights vs Indigenous Rights: Prior Consent Is Paramount for MPSA Renewal
Supreme Court rules FPIC and NCIP certification are mandatory for MPSA renewal, protecting indigenous peoples' ancestral domain rights.
Tenant Rights vs Landowner Control: Clarifying Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must refer ejectment cases to the DAR and what the DAR certification must contain.
Employer as Bystander in Certification Elections: Lessons from Coca-Cola FEMSA
Supreme Court affirms the bystander rule, barring employers from opposing certification elections and clarifying reorganization's effect on bargaining units.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Company Doctor's Assessment Is Not Enough
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer may claim total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
Navigating Extraordinary and Miscellaneous Expenses: A Guide for Government Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies COA rules on EME reimbursements for GOCCs, emphasizing receipts over certifications and strict compliance.
Conditional Release of Imports: Supreme Court Upholds DTI Rules on Testing and Certification
The Supreme Court upholds DTI's conditional release rules for imported goods, clarifying testing and certification requirements under Philippine law.
Illegal Dismissal Due to Health Issues: What Employers Must Prove in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's illness justifies termination, requiring proof of incurability and a medical certification.
When a Dismissed Employee Can Vote: Certification Election Rules Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may vote in certification elections and how blank ballots affect majority computation.
Zero-Rated VAT on Export Sales: Why Actual Exportation Matters Under Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that BOI certifications alone do not prove zero-rated VAT export sales without proof of actual exportation.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land: Key Insights From the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves public land is alienable and disposable for registration, and why NAMRIA certifications fall short.
Land Registration: Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable Under Philippine Law
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, including DENR certifications, and why possession alone is not enough.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: The Strict Rule After Republic v. Bautista
The Supreme Court clarifies that CENRO certifications alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable for original registration under the Property Registration Decree.
The Indispensable Role of DENR Certification in Land Registration: Highpoint Development Corp. vs. Republic
A CENRO certification alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable. Learn the strict requirements for original registration of title in the Philippines.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Highpoint v. Republic
Land registration applicants must present both a CENRO certification and a certified true copy of the DENR Secretary's land classification.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Binding Effect of the Company Physician's Fitness Certification
When a seafarer disagrees with the company physician's fitness assessment, the POEA-SEC requires referral to a third doctor. Skipping this step can doom a disability claim.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's "Fit to Work" Ruling Fails
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer gets total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
Land Registration Revisited: Why Proof of Alienability Remains Paramount
The Supreme Court denies a second land registration bid, reiterating that a CENRO certification alone cannot prove a property is alienable and disposable.
Establishing Tenancy Requires Concrete Evidence: Landowner Rights Upheld
Supreme Court rules tenancy cannot be presumed; claimants must prove all elements with substantial evidence, not mere certifications.
Proving Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law: Evidence and Burden of Proof
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what evidence is needed to prove agricultural tenancy and why certifications alone do not establish tenancy rights.