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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Mortgage Rights Prevail: Protecting Secured Creditors in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on secured creditors' mortgage rights versus labor judgment execution, and the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
When Falsified Encashment Slips Lead to Estafa: Lessons from People v. Domingo
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for estafa through falsification of commercial documents, clarifying the elements and penalties involved.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Built on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome reasonable doubt, emphasizing rigorous scrutiny of complainant's testimony.
Rape Overcoming Fear AND Intimidation Through Testimony
Reasonable Doubt and Rape Allegations: Lessons from People v. Bacus on Circumstantial Evidence
When can physical impossibility and medical findings overcome a rape accusation? The Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Bacus explains.
When Is Tuberculosis a Work-Related Illness? Seafarer Disability Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tuberculosis is work-related for seafarer disability claims, and the burden of proof on the seafarer.
Judicial Ethics: When Judges Squabble, Both Face Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on two RTC judges fined for a public altercation shows why decorum is a non-negotiable judicial duty.
Neglect of Duty: Process Servers Must Exercise Diligence in Serving Summons
A process server's careless substituted service of summons led to an administrative penalty. Learn the strict rules on valid service.
Overcoming Technicalities: How Election Errors Can Be Corrected Beyond Deadlines to Uphold the People's Will
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to correct election errors even after deadlines, ensuring the true will of the electorate prevails over technicalities.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Corporate Officer Liability in Labor Disputes
When can corporate officers be personally liable for labor claims? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil in Nisda v. Sea Serve Maritime Agency.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Corporation Cannot Escape Its Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction to hold a corporation liable for loans received by its affiliates and alter egos.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer in Labor-Only Contracting
When is a principal the real employer? The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Iligan Cement Corporation v. IEWU-SPFL.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Drug Sale Conviction Overturned for Procedural Lapses and Insufficient Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits Cesar Cantalejo in a drug sale case, ruling that procedural lapses and weak evidence failed to overcome the presumption of innocence.
Victim Identification Trumps Alibi: The Eduarte Robbery Case
When a victim positively identifies a robber and chases him down, a mere denial and alibi cannot overcome credible testimony.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Are Not Liable for Subsidiary Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold parent companies liable for subsidiary obligations.
Confession as Evidence Overcoming Hearsay in Robbery With Homicide and Carnapping Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's confession to a witness is admissible evidence, not hearsay, in robbery with homicide and carnapping cases.
The 24-Hour Rule in Cargo Claims: Carrier Liability Under Philippine Shipping Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 24-hour claim rule under the Code of Commerce for damaged cargo and its effect on carrier liability.
Overcoming Fraud Claims Clear Proof Required FOR Land Title Reconveyance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance: fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, not mere allegations.
Online Psychological Abuse Under VAWC: Higher Penalty When Committed Through Social Media
Supreme Court clarifies that using Facebook to commit psychological abuse under RA 9262 warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Protests: Court Personnel Cannot Exercise Judicial Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies that court personnel cannot exercise judicial discretion in granting execution pending appeal in election contests.
When Landlords Can Cut Utilities: Lessons from Barbasa v. Tuquero
Learn when a lessor may lawfully disconnect utilities under a lease's penalty clause without committing grave coercion.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Unreliable Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Rape Case
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome the constitutional presumption of innocence and prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Pharmacists' Negligence: The High Standard of Care in Dispensing Medicine
When a pharmacist gives the wrong medicine, that mistake is negligence. The Supreme Court explains the high standard of care for drugstores in Mercury Drug v. De Leon.
Pawn Tickets and Documentary Stamp Tax: Understanding Pledge Agreements and Taxable Privileges
The Supreme Court rules pawn tickets are subject to documentary stamp tax as proof of exercising the taxable privilege of entering into a pledge contract.