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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Personal Guarantees and Piercing the Corporate Veil: Lessons from Crisologo v. People
When corporate officers sign personal guarantees, they may face personal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Crisologo v. People.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Visible Physical Injuries Protecting Victims of Sexual Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an intact hymen does not negate rape, and explains the distinction between rape by sexual intercourse and rape by sexual assault.
Taxation of Non-Profit Hospitals: Balancing Charity and Commerce in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals lose income tax exemption and pay the 10% preferential rate under the NIRC.
When Creeks Shift: Land Ownership and Natural Watercourse Changes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who owns abandoned river beds when creeks change course naturally, and the burden of proof required.
Automated Elections Public Bidding vs Comelec Discretion in Purchasing the AES for the 2013 Elections
Supreme Court upholds Comelec's exercise of option to purchase PCOS machines for 2013 elections, ruling no new public bidding was required.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil Defining Liability IN Business Closure Scenarios
Corporate Veil Piercing: Directors Held Liable for Fraudulent Misrepresentation in Syndicated Estafa
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate directors can be held criminally liable for estafa despite the separate juridical personality of corporations.
Psychological Abuse via Facebook Conviction Upheld with Higher Cybercrime Penalty
Supreme Court affirms conviction for psychological abuse via Facebook posts, imposing higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Liability in Maritime Charters: Who Pays When the Ship Goes Down
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears liability when a chartered vessel sinks, applying the Civil Code over the Code of Commerce.
Zoning Prevails: How Local Ordinances Can Override Agrarian Reform Coverage
The Supreme Court ruled that land reclassified as residential or commercial by a valid local zoning ordinance before 1988 falls outside the coverage of agrarian reform.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Stockholders Become Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stockholders may be held personally liable for corporate debts, including unpaid subscriptions and the trust fund doctrine.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: SC Clarifies Rules on Proof and Evidence
SC reinstates reconstitution of lost TCT, clarifying evidence rules under RA 26 and the Bercede guidelines.
Expropriation Requires an Ordinance, Not Just a Resolution: Yusay v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies that local governments must pass an ordinance, not a mere resolution, before exercising eminent domain under the Local Government Code.
Alibi Cannot Overcome a Child Victim's Positive Identification: Lessons from People v. Jacinto
The Supreme Court in People v. Jacinto affirmed a child rape conviction, ruling that alibi cannot prevail over the victim's positive identification and clarifying juvenile sentencing.
Bank Certification Letters Are Not Guarantees: Lessons from Bank of Commerce v. Goodman Fielder
When is a bank's certification letter a binding guaranty? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on apparent authority and contractual interpretation.
Homicide vs Murder: When Spontaneous Fights Rule Out Treachery in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when treachery does not apply in spontaneous altercations, reducing murder to homicide.
Reconstitution OF Land Titles Overcoming Insufficient Evidence AND Lost Documents
Overcoming Jurisdictional Hurdles in Philippine Property Disputes: The Philippine Veterans Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdictional boundaries between courts and DARAB in expropriation cases involving agrarian reform lands.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: Proving Ownership in Philippine Land Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on burden of proof in inheritance disputes over titled land, and the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.
When a Demand Letter Does Not Create a Cause of Action: Lessons from Ilusorio
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor's demand letter constitutes harassment or simply an exercise of contractual rights.
When Banks Dishonor Checks: The Citibank v. Dinopol Case on Fiduciary Duty and Damages
The Supreme Court ruled that banks must exercise the highest degree of diligence, holding Citibank liable for dishonoring a check over a P58.33 charge.
Trademark Ownership: Prior Use Trumps Earlier Filing in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in trademark disputes, actual prior use in commerce prevails over an earlier filing date under RA 8293.