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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Civil Liability in BP 22 Cases: The Importance of Explicit Findings in Acquittal
An acquittal in a BP 22 case does not automatically extinguish civil liability. The Court explains when it does.
Acquittal Does Not Erase Civil Liability: B.P. 22 Case Clarifies Separate Civil Aspect
An acquittal in a B.P. 22 case does not automatically extinguish civil liability. The Supreme Court explains when civil claims survive.
Employer-Employee Relationship: The Control Test and SSS Coverage for Farm Workers
When does a farm worker become a regular employee entitled to SSS coverage? The Supreme Court explains the control test and its implications.
Forum Shopping Dismissal of Labor Case Reversed for Lack of Basis
Supreme Court clarifies that filing separate labor standard and illegal dismissal cases in different fora does not constitute forum shopping.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Social Justice Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when a validly dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and when social justice arguments fail.
Self-Defense Under Scrutiny: When Does a Threat Justify Homicide in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a threat justifies killing in self-defense, requiring actual unlawful aggression, not mere intimidation.
Valid Contracts Despite Regulatory Lapses: Moldex Realty vs. Flora Saberon
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a developer's lack of license or failure to register does not void a contract to sell.
Diminution of Benefits and Company Practice in Retirement Claims: The Vergara Case
When does a benefit become a company practice? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on non-diminution of benefits in retirement claims.
Child Abuse vs Physical Injury: Delineating Intent in Acts Against Minors
When does hitting a child become child abuse under RA 7610? The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial role of intent in Bongalon v. People.
Beyond Labels: Conviction for Rape Stands Despite Mislabeling in Information
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mislabeling a crime in the Information doesn't invalidate a conviction if the facts alleged constitute the offense charged.
Annulment of Judgment Protects Due Process in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to state "extrinsic fraud" verbatim does not doom a petition for annulment of judgment.
Grave Neglect of Duty in Public Office: The Samson De Leon Case
When does a public official's inaction become grave neglect of duty? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in this administrative law case.
Abandonment vs. Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
When does absence become abandonment? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Technical Malversation: Intent Not Required for Illegal Use of Public Funds
Supreme Court clarifies that illegal use of public funds under does not require intent, only the diversion of funds to another public purpose.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Delay in Reporting Does Not Negate Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's delay in reporting does not automatically discredit her testimony.
Parking Liability When Negligence Doesn't Extend to the Property Owner
When a car is stolen from a paid parking lot, who pays? The Supreme Court explains when the property owner escapes liability.
Corporate Dissolution and Intra-Corporate Disputes: Preserving Stockholder Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporate dissolution does not extinguish intra-corporate disputes or the rights of stockholders to pursue them.
Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction: When Active Participation Trumps Defective Summons
Defective summons doesn't defeat jurisdiction if a defendant voluntarily appears and seeks affirmative relief, as Optima Realty v. Hertz shows.
Who Can Sue: Understanding Legal Standing in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn who can file criminal cases in the Philippines, and how acquittal does not erase civil liability, using the Aglibot v. Santia case.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Testimony and the Element of Carnal Knowledge
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that carnal knowledge does not require full penetration and that a victim's credible testimony alone can prove the crime.
Court Employees Must Remit Judiciary Funds on Time: Full Restitution Does Not Erase Liability
Learn why a court employee who fully repaid missing funds still faced a P10,000 fine for delayed remittance of judiciary collections.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Visible Physical Injuries Protecting Victims of Sexual Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an intact hymen does not negate rape, and explains the distinction between rape by sexual intercourse and rape by sexual assault.
Defining Disability for Seafarers: Rights and the 240-Day Rule in Maritime Employment
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent, and why exceeding 120 days does not automatically entitle him to full benefits.
Trust Receipts vs Ordinary Loans: When Debt Restructuring Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
Philippine National Bank v. Soriano clarifies when restructuring a trust receipt loan does not extinguish criminal liability for estafa under PD 115.