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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Ipso Facto Resignation: When Philippine Politicians Lose Their Seats by Running for Another Office
The Supreme Court explains why elective officials are deemed resigned upon filing a certificate of candidacy for a different position.
Protecting Children: Understanding the Nuances of Rape Law and Parental Accountability in the Philippines
A father's conviction for raping his daughter clarifies Philippine rape law, qualifying circumstances, and the death penalty's proper application.
Philippine Contract Law: When Written Agreements Prevail Over Verbal Claims
Explaining Gold Loop Properties v. PITC, where the Supreme Court upheld a written contract over claims of a different verbal agreement.
Parental Rape in the Philippines: The Right to Counsel and the Death Penalty
When a father is accused of raping his daughter, the Supreme Court still requires effective counsel—explained in People v. Bermas.
Philippine Estate Administration: When the Surviving Spouse Loses Preference as Administrator
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surviving spouse may lose the preferential right to administer a deceased partner's estate.
Supreme Court Rules on Taxability of Rental Income of Non-Profit Organizations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when rental income of non-profit organizations like YMCA is taxable under the NIRC.
Apparent Authority in Corporate Contracts: When a President's Actions Bind a Philippine Company
The Supreme Court explains when a corporate president's contracts bind the company, even without board approval, under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Parental Authority in Incestuous Rape Cases in the Philippines
How Philippine courts treat parental authority as a form of intimidation in incestuous rape, explained through People v. Bartolome.
Credibility of Child Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. Ilao
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a child eyewitness's credible testimony, even when the victim herself could not testify coherently.
Parental Consent in Philippine Adoption: Upholding Natural Parents' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when a natural parent's consent is required for adoption and what abandonment truly means under Philippine law.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine jurisprudence on loss of trust and confidence as a valid ground for employee dismissal, explained through the Brent Hospital case.
Night Shift Differential Pay in the Philippines: Who Bears the Burden of Proof?
In claims for night shift differential pay, the employer bears the burden of proving payment, not the worker. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court case.
Rent-a-Car Liability in the Philippines: When Is the Owner Liable for Lessee’s Negligence?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when rent-a-car companies are liable for lessee negligence under quasi-delict and vicarious liability rules.
Undue Injury in Philippine Anti-Graft Law: Why Actual Damage Is Crucial
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Llorente v. Sandiganbayan that in graft cases.
Incestuous Rape: Parental Authority as Intimidation in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court ruled that a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter can substitute for force or intimidation in incestuous rape.
Rape by a Parent: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter substitutes for force in rape, affirming death penalty.
When Is a Principal Liable for an Agent's Debt? Lessons from Bordador v. Luz
The Supreme Court explains when a principal is liable for an agent's debt, and why apparent authority must be proven.
Child Custody Rights in the Philippines: When Can a Parent Reclaim Their Child
Understand Philippine child custody rights and when a parent can reclaim custody, including legal grounds, court considerations, and practical guidance.
Consent and Rape: When Mental Retardation Negates Valid Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape of a mental retardate and why apparent consent does not negate criminal liability.
Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason: Consent and Mental Capacity in Philippine Law
Philippine law treats carnal knowledge of a woman deprived of reason as rape, regardless of apparent consent. This case explains why.
Fishpond Lease Agreements: Preferential Rights and Government Authority in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts interpret fishpond lease agreements, preferential rights, and government authority over public lands.
Incestuous Rape: The Supreme Court's Stance on Parental Abuse and a Daughter's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, holding that a daughter's testimony deserves great weight and that rape can occur even in a crowded room.
Parental Visitation Rights of Illegitimate Children in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a father's right to visit his illegitimate children, prioritizing the child's welfare over parental disputes.
Lease Termination in the Philippines: Rights and Remedies from a Supreme Court Ruling
Learn when a lease can be terminated in the Philippines, including rent defaults and breach of contract terms, based on a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.