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.
Unconstitutional Bargain: State Control Over Natural Resources in Philippine Seas
The Supreme Court struck down the JMSU as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exploration of the country's natural resources must remain under full State control.
COA Concurrence in Hiring Private Counsel: The PNOC-EC Case and New Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when government agencies must secure COA concurrence before hiring private lawyers, and how new rules ease this requirement.
Eminent Domain and Private Property: Clarifying Expropriation Powers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when state-owned land is private property subject to expropriation, and the limits of delegated eminent domain.
Untangling VAT Refund Claims Navigating Deadlines for Zero-Rated Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the mandatory deadlines for VAT refund claims on zero-rated sales, and why missing them is fatal.
Protecting Deliberations: The Scope of Deliberative Process Privilege in Philippine Law
Explore the deliberative process privilege in Philippine law, its scope, limits, and how courts balance confidentiality with transparency.
Corporate Asset Transfers: When Does a Buyer Inherit the Seller's Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation buying all assets of another also inherits its liabilities, under Section 40.
Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Prescriptive Periods and Equitable Estoppel in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-year prescriptive period for VAT refund claims and the mandatory 120-day waiting period before judicial appeal.
Evidence Rules in Philippine Administrative Cases: The Atienza Case Explained
Administrative bodies in the Philippines follow relaxed evidence rules. Learn what Atienza v. Board of Medicine means for professionals facing administrative scrutiny.
Estoppel in Questioning Jurisdiction: Participating in Trial Bars Later Challenges
The Supreme Court rules that a party who actively participates in trial and seeks affirmative relief is estopped from questioning the court's jurisdiction on appeal.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that unpaid docket fees on increased claims become a lien on judgment, and actual damages need competent proof.
Supreme Court on Actual Damages: Proving Loss in Maritime Collision Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies actual damages rules: hearsay price quotations lack probative value, nominal damages may apply when loss unproven.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Your Rights to Back Wages and Reinstatement
Learn how Philippine law protects workers from illegal dismissal, including rights to back wages, reinstatement, and separation pay.
Valid Dismissal for Insubordination: Employee Rights and Company Discipline in the Philippines
Understand when a strike is legal and dismissal valid under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on employee rights.
Maritime Negligence and Liability Lessons From the Don Juan Tragedy
The Don Juan tragedy teaches key Philippine maritime law lessons on carrier liability, passenger proof, and damages.