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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Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Corporation Be Held Accountable for Its Affiliates' Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may disregard the separate legal personality of corporations and hold them liable for affiliates' actions.
Negligence Liability of Cargo Surveyors: Duty of Care in Handling Liquid Bulk Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surveyor negligence in liquid cargo discharge, explaining the standard of care and liability for unsupervised pumping operations.
Double Jeopardy vs Duplicity: Defective Informations and Fair Trial Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy, duplicity in informations, and fair trial rights in rape convictions.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: When Inconsistent Testimony Cannot Support a Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused where the victim's inconsistent testimony and improbable claims failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Eyewitness Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Murder Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification versus alibi in murder cases, explaining standards for credibility and positive identification.
Land Registration: How Clear Title Strengthens Ownership and Possession Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how registered land rights and lease agreements strengthen claims to ownership and possession in property disputes.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Theft Case Due to Insufficient Evidence and Questionable Witness Testi
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling acquits an accused in a theft case after finding the prosecution's evidence insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Accomplice vs Principal in Murder Cases: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person is a principal rather than an accomplice in murder, and how complex crimes apply to multiple shootings.
Ejectment vs. Ownership: Why Forcible Entry Cases Can Proceed Despite Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forcible entry cases proceed independently of ownership disputes; RTC erred in dismissing ejectment appeal.
Unions Cannot Waive Individual Workers' Rights Without Their Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unions can compromise individual workers' claims without their consent, and the limits of collective bargaining authority.
Multiple Victims, Separate Crimes: Complex vs. Multiple Offenses in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when multiple shootings of several victims constitute separate crimes, not a complex crime, under Article 48.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
How Tax Declarations and Possession Solidify Property Rights in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when tax declarations prove ownership and how adverse possession cures defective titles.
Voluntary Appearance and Estoppel: How Jurisdictional Defects in Philippine Courts Can Be Cured
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary appearance and estoppel can cure jurisdictional defects in criminal cases before the Sandiganbayan.
Regular vs Project Employees: Key Differences and Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies regular vs project employee status, tenure security, and monetary claims under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a rape victim's credible testimony alone can convict an accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Credible Testimony in Rape Cases: Why a Victim's Account Alone Can Lead to Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape victim's lone testimony suffices for conviction, and why alibi and delay in reporting do not defeat it.
Judicial Impartiality in Philippine Courts: Upholding Fairness in Case Assignments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial impartiality and fair case assignments, protecting due process and public trust in courts.
Lawyer Ethics Matter: Why Misconduct Investigations Proceed Despite Complainant Withdrawal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer disciplinary cases continue despite complainant withdrawal, and silence is not admission of guilt.
Reformation of Contracts in the Philippines: Navigating Unforeseen Events and Economic Shifts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract reformation, fortuitous events, and extraordinary inflation in lease agreements. Learn key legal principles.
When BIR Regional Directors Can File Tax Collection Cases: The Hizon Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies BIR regional directors' authority to file tax collection suits and the prescription rules under the NIRC.
When Arbitration Clauses Do Not Bind Third-Party Buyers in Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses in contracts bind only parties, not third-party land buyers.
Victim Testimony Alone CAN Convict In Rape Cases: People v. Flores
Philippine Supreme Court ruling in People v. Flores confirms a rape victim's credible testimony alone is sufficient for conviction.
What Constitutes Inducement to Commit a Crime: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when words or orders amount to "inducement" making one a principal by induction, using a kidnapping case.