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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Grave Coercion in Property Takeovers: The Navarra Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that forceful property repossession, even with a debt claim, constitutes grave coercion under Philippine law.
Upholding LLDA Authority Enforcing Environmental Standards in Laguna de Bay
Supreme Court affirms LLDA's power to impose fines for effluent violations, reinforcing environmental enforcement in Laguna de Bay region.
Balancing Security and Privacy: The Supreme Court on Amparo, Habeas Data, and Enforced Disappearance Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of amparo and habeas data writs in Roxas v. Arroyo, balancing security, privacy, and state accountability.
Robbery with Homicide Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Force, Intimidation, and Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and why denial cannot defeat positive identification.
Upholding Search Warrant Validity Balancing Individual Rights AND LAW Enforcement IN Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms valid search warrant in drug case, balancing constitutional rights and law enforcement needs.
Federation Employee Eligibility Navigating Union Governance AND Election Rules
Supreme Court ruling on federation employees running for union office, election jurisdiction, and the binding force of constitutions.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Mental Retardation and the Assessment of Force and Consent
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape charge built on force and intimidation does not require the victim's mental retardation to be alleged in the information.
Rape and Consent: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts handle rape cases involving victims with mental disabilities, and what constitutes force and consent.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Show Wage Compliance
In Dansart Security Force v. Bagoy, the Supreme Court ruled that employers bear the burden of proving payment of wages and monetary benefits to employees.
Extraordinary Diligence IN Enforced Disappearances THE Burgos Case AND THE Writ OF Amparo
Finality of Judgment Bars Post-Disbarment Motions: Supreme Court Enforces Restitution Order
Supreme Court enforces disbarred lawyer's restitution order, citing finality of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Compassionate Justice vs Legal Obligation: Limits of Financial Assistance in Authorized Dismissals
Supreme Court rules employers cannot be forced to pay extra financial assistance beyond separation pay mandated by law for valid closures.
Writ of Possession and Foreclosure: When a Threat to Foreclose Does Not Vitiate Consent
Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure, simulated contracts, and why a threat to enforce a legal claim does not vitiate consent.
Contractual Interest Enforceability of Bank Lending Rates in Delayed Payments
Supreme Court rules stipulated bank lending rates apply automatically to delayed payments without need for separate consent.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation in Familial Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force or intimidation in incestuous rape, affirming a conviction.
Parental Authority vs Incest: Upholding Conviction in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of father, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and resistance in incestuous rape.
Smoking Ban Enforcement: When Rules Fail to Designate Smoking Areas
A Supreme Court ruling on smoking in stairwells shows why workplace smoking bans must designate where employees can legally smoke.
Probable Cause and Search Warrants: Safeguarding Property Rights in Seizures
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants, balancing law enforcement with constitutional property rights.
Enforced Disappearance Balancing Evidentiary Standards AND Government Accountability
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: The Duty of Care and Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and the duty of a mother's live-in partner.
Upholding Timeliness in Tax Appeals: The Significance of Adhering to Statutory Deadlines
Learn how the Supreme Court reinforced strict compliance with statutory deadlines in tax appeals and why missing them can be fatal.
Regular Employees Entitled to CBA Benefits; Dismissal via Contracting Out in Bad Faith Is Illegal
Supreme Court rules regular employees are covered by the CBA and that dismissing them to force transfer to a contractor is illegal dismissal.
Enforced Disappearance and Government Accountability: The Writ of Amparo Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies the writ of amparo as a protective remedy against enforced disappearance, distinguishing responsibility from accountability.
Contempt of the COMELEC: The Scope of Its Quasi-Judicial Power Explained
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to cite for contempt even when acting through fact-finding task forces, clarifying the scope of its quasi-judicial authority.