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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Understanding Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the legal boundaries between statutory rape and sexual assault, and the importance of precise charges.
Robbery with Homicide: When a Deadly Robbery Is Only Simple Robbery
The Supreme Court explains when a death during a robbery still results in simple robbery, not robbery with homicide.
Gross Immorality and Bigamy: What Lawyers Risk in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how bigamy and extra-marital affairs violate the lawyer's duty of good moral character.
Franchise Renewal in Philippine Broadcasting: Insights from ABS-CBN v. NTC
The Supreme Court's ruling in ABS-CBN v. NTC clarifies that an expired legislative franchise cannot be extended by pending bills or administrative practice.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Nullity: The Calma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36, Family Code, emphasizing totality of evidence over rigid Molina guidelines.
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Victims
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on robbery with rape, clarifying penalties, damages, and how multiple rapes are treated under Philippine law.
Witness Presence in Drug Seizures: The Chain of Custody Rule Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule and witness requirements in drug seizures, and the scope of Section 13, RA 9165.
Understanding Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: The Calma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code, emphasizing totality of evidence over rigid rules.
Compromise Agreements and Execution: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when compromise judgments may be executed, the effect of res judicata, and limits on denying execution.
When Property Disputes Must First Go to Barangay Conciliation: Ngo v. Gabelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to undergo barangay conciliation makes a property case dismissible, and why courts cannot simply suspend proceedings to cure the defect.
Understanding Qualified Rape of a Minor: Insights from People v. Manlolo
A father's conviction for raping his 6-year-old daughter clarifies the rules on qualified rape, victim testimony, and damages in the Philippines.
Understanding DUE Process IN Notice OF Disallowance Cases A Supreme Court Ruling
Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Cases: Insights from People v. Serafin
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength qualifies killing as murder, using People v. Serafin as a guide.
Mortgagee in Good Faith: Protecting Banks and Borrowers in Property Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on mortgagee in good faith doctrine and banks' duty of diligence in property loans.
Work-Related Illness Claims: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Seafarer Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, the 120-day disability rule, and the weight of company doctor findings.
Compulsory Insurance for OFWs: When Agency-Hired Coverage Applies
The Supreme Court clarifies when overseas Filipino workers are covered by compulsory insurance, and what happens when contracts are renewed.
Why Insulating Witnesses Matter in Drug Seizure Cases: People v. Balbarez
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, stressing the critical role of insulating witnesses under Section 21.
Property Title Disputes and Notarial Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Administrative Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies notarial duties in property transactions, showing why proper identity verification matters in land disputes.
Notarial Responsibilities and Lawyer Ethics: Lessons from Rivera v. Dalangin
A lawyer's duty to refuse notarizing unlawful documents and uphold honesty, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the mandatory presence of insulating witnesses under RA 9165.
Understanding the Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining why Section 21 compliance matters in Philippine drug cases.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When a Judge's Delay Draws Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court fined a judge for undue delay in rendering a decision, clarifying when judicial delay becomes administratively actionable.
Navigating Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Clubs: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Membership Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies that membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are not subject to income tax and VAT.
Submitting Altered Evidence in Court: A Lawyer's Duty to Verify Documents
A lawyer who pre-marks altered evidence without verifying it faces discipline. The Supreme Court explains the duty of candor.