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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Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: The Impact of Unspecified Claims in Philippine Courts
How failing to specify claim amounts in a complaint affects docket fees and court jurisdiction, explained through a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Learn how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters in large scale, the elements of the crime, and the penalties under the Labor Code.
Defective Informations in Rape Cases: When Procedural Lapses Do Not Defeat Convictions
Learn when defective informations in rape cases do not invalidate convictions, and how procedural lapses can be cured under Philippine law.
Habitual Tardiness and Falsification of Time Records: Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a court utility worker for habitual tardiness and falsifying time cards, underscoring strict ethical standards for judiciary employees.
Motion Denied: Strict Enforcement of Notice Requirements in Lifting Property Levies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quieting title, property levies, and the strict enforcement of redemption periods after execution sales.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Exact Date Not Essential in Proving Sexual Assault
Philippine Supreme Court rules the precise date of rape is not an essential element; conviction stands on proof of penetration and intimidation.
TAX Assessment Validity Strict Compliance AND Waiver Requirements
Expiration Nullifies Election Protests Upholding Comelecs Jurisdiction Over SK Chairman Disputes
SC rules SK chairman election protests fall under COMELEC appellate jurisdiction, but expired terms render cases moot.
Demand to Vacate in Unlawful Detainer: Strict Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the demand-to-vacate rule in unlawful detainer cases, its jurisdictional nature, and amendment of complaints.
Drug Sale Conviction Upheld Despite Procedural Lapses Integrity of Evidence Paramount
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction despite Section 21 lapses, ruling that integrity of seized evidence is paramount.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Concepcion
The Supreme Court affirms drug sale convictions from a buy-bust, clarifying what evidence is needed and when procedural lapses do not excuse offenders.
Moral Ascendancy as Violence: Rape Conviction Upheld in Father-Daughter Incest Case
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a father, ruling that a parent's moral ascendancy substitutes for violence and intimidation in incestuous rape.
Judicial Overreach Approving Bail Outside Jurisdictional Boundaries
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: The Notice Requirement in BP 22 Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that proof of receipt of notice of dishonor is essential to convict under BP 22, the bouncing checks law.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Land Reform: When Corporate Fiction Evades Agrarian Law
When a corporation is used to evade agrarian reform coverage, courts will pierce the corporate veil. Learn from this Supreme Court ruling.
SEC Authority Validating Stock and Transfer Books Over Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the SEC has regulatory jurisdiction to validate and cancel stock and transfer books.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Stock and Transfer Book Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that the SEC, not the regular courts, has jurisdiction to recall and cancel a stock and transfer book it erroneously registered.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Stock and Transfer Book Disputes: A Lesson in Regulatory Power
Supreme Court clarifies SEC's regulatory jurisdiction to recall and cancel erroneously registered stock and transfer books, resolving intra-corporate disputes.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Can Stand Alone for Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible, straightforward testimony is sufficient for conviction, even without corroborating evidence.
Intact Hymen Rape Conviction Protecting Victims Despite Medical Findings
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite intact hymen, explaining medical findings do not negate a credible victim's testimony.
Reconstitution of Lost Torrens Titles: Strict Evidentiary Requirements Under RA 26
The Supreme Court in Republic v. Lagramada reminds courts and litigants that reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles demands strict, official proof of ownership.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Labor Disputes Involving Government Chartered Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that labor disputes in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters fall under the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Psychological Abuse via Facebook: Higher Penalty When ICT Is Used
The Supreme Court explains when a public Facebook post amounts to psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Falsification by Public Officials Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over falsification cases and how public officials may be convicted under the RPC.