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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Serving Time, Not Home Care: Graft Convicts Must Stay in Penal Facilities
The Supreme Court affirms that convicted graft offenders must serve prison terms in penal institutions, rejecting house arrest pleas.
Real Property Tax on IPP Power Facilities: EO 173 Condonation and Valid Assessments
Supreme Court clarifies that IPP power facilities under BOT contracts with GOCCs may qualify for EO 173 real property tax reduction and condonation.
Continuing Security Mortgage Coverage Beyond Initial Credit Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when deeds of assignment serve as continuing security for credit facilities, and why summary judgment was properly denied.
NPC's Real Property Tax Exemption Claim Fails: Ownership and Actual Use Matter
Supreme Court rules NPC cannot claim real property tax exemption for BOT power plant facilities it neither owns nor actually uses.
Minimum Wage vs Facilities: Employer Obligations for Fair Compensation and Workplace Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may count board and lodging as wages, protecting workers from minimum wage circumvention.
Grave Misconduct of Tax Credit Evaluator: Physical Verification Is a Duty, Not an Option
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a DOF evaluator for grave misconduct after he failed to physically verify a tax credit applicant's facilities, allowing a P867,680 fraud.
Stored Goods Destroyed by Fire: When Negligence Overrides Fortuitous Events
Learn when storage facilities are liable for goods destroyed by fire, and how the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur in ICTSI v. Chua.
Facilities vs Supplements in Wage Disputes: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between facilities and supplements in computing wages, and when employers may deduct their value.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Barangay vs. Homeowners: Who Administers a Multi-Purpose Hall?
The Supreme Court clarifies the division of authority between barangays and homeowners' associations over government-funded facilities in subdivisions.
Hospitals' Cost-Cutting Measures vs Patient Rights: The Manila Doctors Hospital Case
Supreme Court ruling on when hospitals may remove non-essential facilities from patient rooms without incurring liability for damages.
Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers: The Developer's Duty to Develop Under PD 957
Learn how the Supreme Court protects subdivision lot buyers, requiring developers to provide facilities and pay fair market value for breach.