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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Moral Ascendancy as Force in Incestuous Rape: Protecting Vulnerable Victims
Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation under Philippine law.
Annulment of Judgment Protects Due Process and Jurisdictional Integrity
When courts dismiss annulment petitions on technicalities, due process suffers. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Accountability IN Public Office Upholding Anti Graft Laws
Upholding Constitutional Rights: The Imperative of Impleading Indispensable Parties in Seizure Cases
This case clarifies the Ombudsman's right to intervene in appeals from its administrative rulings, and the procedural rules that govern such intervention.
When Lawyers Neglect Cases: Suspension for Violating the Duty of Diligence
A lawyer who fails to file pleadings and attend hearings faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules on competence and diligence.
Supreme Court Affirms Conviction for Qualified Rape by Father
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling affirming a father's conviction for qualified rape, detailing the elements, evidence, and penalties under Philippine law.
Reassignment vs. Transfer: What Public School Teachers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public school teacher can be reassigned without consent, and how security of tenure applies.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Cost Him the Bench
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Supreme Court Affirms Insurer's Subrogation Claim in Vehicular Accident Case
The Supreme Court affirms insurer's right to recover damages from negligent driver and vehicle owner in a quasi-delict case.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Ethical Standards for the Bench and Bar
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for an extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice for three years, clarifying ethical standards.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment fails; Court cites contempt and orders execution.
Voluntary Departure VS Forced Removal When Retirement Applications BAR Reinstatement Claims
When does an employee's retirement application bar a reinstatement claim? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between voluntary retirement and illegal dismissal.
Resignation VS Reinstatement When CAN A Government Employee Reverse Course
Can a government employee escape administrative liability by resigning or transferring? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in a recent ruling.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutorial findings and the limits of a private complainant's right to appeal criminal case dismissals.
Constructive Dismissal When Workplace Hostility Forces Resignation
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: Reassessing Importation Bans
Explore how the Supreme Court clarified prescription for cyber libel and the doctrinal weight of unsigned resolutions in Philippine law.
Corporation By Estoppel: When Unregistered Entities Can Receive Valid Donations
Philippine law on corporation by estoppel and donations to unregistered entities, explained with practical guidance for donors and recipients.
Upholding Transparency Competitive Bidding Mandate IN Power Supply Agreements
Supreme Court voids ERC's postponement of competitive selection for power supply agreements, protecting consumers from opaque electricity costs.
Procedural Missteps in Property Disputes: Lessons from a Landmark Notarial Case
A lawyer notarized a deed without commission, altering property rights. The Supreme Court's ruling teaches key lessons on notarial practice and property disputes.
Surname Disputes: Why Proper Filiation Matters in Civil Registry Corrections
Correcting a surname in the civil registry is not always clerical. Learn why filiation and procedure matter under Rule 108.
Redundancy and Constructive Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Restructuring
Understand redundancy pay, constructive dismissal, and employee rights when Philippine companies restructure or downsize.
Challenging Ombudsman Decisions: Certiorari vs. Appeal in Administrative Cases
Learn when to file certiorari instead of appeal against Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases, and the limits of the condonation doctrine.
Libel and Damages: Balancing Free Speech and Reputation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's Guy v. Tulfo ruling clarifies when journalists may be liable for libel and how courts compute damages for reputational harm.