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.
SEC GIS and AFS Filing in the Philippines: A Complete Guide
Learn the SEC GIS and AFS filing requirements in the Philippines, deadlines, and penalties. A plain-language guide for corporations.
When an Appeal Is Dismissed for Late Brief: The Licup Ruling on Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court nullified the CA's dismissal of an appeal due to a late brief, citing substantial justice and liberty interests.
Starting a Business in the Philippines with a Foreign Partner: Legal Structures and Ownership Rules
A practical guide to foreign ownership rules, business structures, and registration steps for Filipino-foreign ventures in the Philippines.
Co-Owner Redemption: When Written Notice Can Be Dispensed With
The Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner's right of legal redemption is barred despite absence of written notice under Article 1623.
Finality of Judgments: COA Cannot Reverse Absolved Parties' Liability
The Supreme Court rules that the COA cannot reverse a final decision absolving employee-recipients from refunding disallowed benefits, reinforcing finality principles.
Who Can Annul a Bigamous Marriage in the Philippines? SC Explains
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the aggrieved or injured innocent spouse may petition to nullify a bigamous marriage—not the guilty party.
Navigating GOCC Compensation: Board Authority and Disallowed Benefits in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PNCC directors' gratuity benefits, GOCC status, and when disallowed compensation must be returned.
Foreclosure Judgments Must State Amount and Payment Period: Lontoc v. Tiglao
A foreclosure judgment must specify the exact amount due and the payment period under Rule 68, Section 2, or it cannot be executed.
One-Year Ban on Appointments for Losing Candidates: Understanding the Restrictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the one-year constitutional ban on appointing losing candidates to government posts, including contractual engagements.
3G Frequency Allocation and the NTC's Regulatory Discretion: Lessons from Next Mobile v. NTC
The Supreme Court affirms the NTC's broad discretion in allocating 3G frequencies, clarifying the limits of judicial review over technical regulatory decisions.
Procurement Rules Family Ties Dont Always Taint THE Deal
Supreme Court clarifies that disclosure-of-relations rules under procurement law apply only to competitive bidding, not to Shopping.
When a Missing Estate Administrator Does Not Void a Contract Case: Heirs of Manzano v. Kinsonic
The Supreme Court clarifies when the absence of an estate administrator is not fatal to a contract dispute, distinguishing indispensable from necessary parties.
Annulment of Judgment: Safeguarding Finality and Preventing Abuse of Judicial Remedies
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for annulment of judgment under Rule 47, emphasizing finality and preventing abuse.
Illegal Dismissal of Cooperative Officers: CDA, Not Labor Tribunals, Has Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints by cooperative officers fall under CDA jurisdiction, not labor tribunals.
Judicial Clemency and Reinstatement of Disqualified Public Officials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when dismissed judges may be reinstated through judicial clemency, requiring proof of remorse, reformation, and public apology.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Lessons from the NGCP v. Gaite Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing verifiable data over speculative land reclassifications.
When Delay Defeats Title: Laches and Registered Land in Lorenzo v. Eustaquio
The Supreme Court ruled that laches can defeat registered land ownership, even when the original transfer was flawed. Learn the key rules.
Income Tax vs. Stock Transaction Tax: Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that stock transaction tax is a percentage tax, not income tax, limiting exemptions under the NIRC.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory SOCE Filing Deadline, Balances Rule of Law with Equity
The Supreme Court ruled COMELEC gravely abused discretion in extending the SOCE filing deadline, but applied the operative fact doctrine.
Hazard Pay for Public Health Workers: Fixed Rates vs. Legal Mandates
Supreme Court rules on fixed hazard pay rates for public health workers, voiding DOH AO 2006-0011 and excusing refund liability.
Budget Augmentation Rules: When Government Funds Cannot Be Realigned
The Supreme Court clarifies when agencies may augment budgets from savings, and when officers must refund disallowed amounts.
Oral Contracts of Sale: Validity and Enforceability Under Philippine Law
When is a verbal sale agreement binding in the Philippines? Learn the rules on validity, enforceability, and vitiated consent from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Loan Agreements and Interest Rates: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may impose penalty charges and compound interest under loan restructuring agreements.
Special Administrators in Estate Cases: Residency Matters More Than Citizenship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that residency, not citizenship, determines who may serve as special administrator in estate proceedings.