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.
CIAC Jurisdiction: When a Contract Is Not a Construction Contract
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction requires an actual construction contract, not merely plans or surveys for future projects.
Restrictions on Contractual Rights: The Necessity of Consent in Deed of Assignment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a deed of assignment of receivables is unenforceable against the obligor without written consent.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Resolving Territorial Conflicts Between LGUs
The Supreme Court settles the Makati-Taguig territorial dispute, explaining how boundary conflicts between local governments are resolved.
Demolition and Due Process: Balancing Property Rights and Public Projects in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when demolitions may proceed without a court order under RA 7279, using the BCDA JUSMAG case.
Novation Requires Clear Creditor Consent Protecting Banks IN Debt Assumption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on debt assumption, assignment of credit, and the need for creditor consent under Civil Code.
Publication Requirement Prevails: Unpublished Handwritten Addendum Has No Legal Effect
Supreme Court rules unpublished handwritten addendum to a presidential proclamation has no force of law, reaffirming the indispensable publication requirement.
Unlocking VAT Refunds: The Transitional Input Tax Credit Principle in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prior tax payment is not required to claim the 8% transitional input tax credit under the NIRC.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and the Finality of COA Decisions
Court personnel who certify documents without verifying records face dismissal for gross neglect of duty, as this ruling shows.
Public Land vs Private Claim: Military Reservations and the Limits of Land Acquisition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court voids a title over land inside Fort Bonifacio, ruling military reservations are inalienable public land.
Real Party-in-Interest and CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies indispensable parties and CIAC jurisdiction in construction arbitration, using the Heritage Park case as a guide.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, ruling that credible eyewitness identification outweighs the inherently weak defense of alibi.