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.
Inverse Condemnation and Provisional Compensation: What RA 10752 Means for Landowners
The Supreme Court clarifies that RA 10752 governs provisional compensation in inverse condemnation cases filed after its effectivity, even if the taking occurred earlier.
Prompt Compensation Imperative in Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation is reckoned from the date of taking, not the filing of the complaint, and must be paid promptly with interest.
Unjust Enrichment vs. Immutability of Judgment: Balancing Equity and Finality in Power Supply Contracts
The Supreme Court reconciles the immutability of final judgments with unjust enrichment claims in a dispute over fuel supply between NAPOCOR and Delta P.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow the DAR Formula
The Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian courts must apply Section 17 of RA 6657 and DAR AO 5-98 when fixing just compensation for expropriated land.
Contractual Obligations Survey Requirement Prevails Over Rescission Rights IN Land Sale Agreements
Supreme Court rules survey obligation in land sale contracts prevails over rescission rights, clarifying breach requirements under Philippine law.
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.
Philippine VAT Zero-Rating for Services: The "Doing Business Outside the Philippines" Requirement
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating for services requires the recipient to be doing business outside the Philippines, not just payment in foreign currency.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Estafa Cases: Where the Crime Must Be Proven
In estafa cases, venue is jurisdictional. The Supreme Court explains why the prosecution must prove where the fraud occurred.
Brokers Commission Rights When Can a Seller Evade Payment After a Sale
Can a seller evade paying a broker's commission after a sale closes? This case explains when fees remain due.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Clear Terms In Waiver Agreements
The Supreme Court enforces the plain terms of a waiver agreement, ruling that clear contractual stipulations prevail over claims of unexpressed intent.
Guardians at the Gate: Examining Self-Defense and Accountability in Philippine Homicide Cases
A security guard's fatal shooting raises key questions on self-defense, treachery, and firearm confiscation in Philippine criminal law.
Verifying Arbitral Awards: Authenticity Requirements Under Philippine Arbitration Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unverified copies of arbitral awards cannot support court confirmation orders, explaining verification requirements under R.A. 876.
Judicial Overreach Approving Bail Outside Jurisdictional Boundaries 2
Supreme Court clarifies venue, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and limits on injunctions in environmental cases.
Power Rate Differentials: ERB Authority to Protect Utility Companies Upheld
Supreme Court affirms ERB power to set rate differentials favoring utilities over direct industrial customers of NAPOCOR.
Power Rate Differentials: When Regulators May Favor Utilities Over Direct Consumers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ERB authority to set power rate differentials between utilities and direct industrial consumers.
Substantial Justice vs Technicality: When Can Appeal Deadlines Be Relaxed
The Supreme Court explains when late appeals may be allowed despite rigid rules, balancing technicality against substantial justice in Trans International vs. CA.