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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Shareholder Rights Upholding Inspection Rights Despite Corporate Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders' inspection rights remain enforceable in RTC even when majority shares belong to sequestered corporations.
Upholding Ethical Standards A Lawyers Duty TO Financial Integrity AND Professional Conduct
Lease Perfection vs Performance: Hilltop Market Case on Conditions and Estoppel
When does a lease begin? The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between conditions for perfection and performance in Hilltop Market.
Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Church Marriages: Tilar v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts have jurisdiction to declare church marriages void under the Family Code, rejecting the separation of Church and State argument.
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction: How Complaint Allegations Determine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how complaint allegations, not defenses, determine jurisdiction in unlawful detainer and ejectment cases.
Civil Courts, Not Church Tribunals, Decide Marriage Nullity Cases in the Philippines
Philippine civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over marriage nullity cases. The Supreme Court clarifies this in Tilar v. Republic.
Unconscious Victim and Rape Conviction: Article 266-A Explained
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions where the victim was unconscious, explaining Article 266-A and damages in People v. Carillo.
SC Upholds Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a victim's testimony do not undermine credibility when the account is coherent and believable.
Separation of Church and State: Civil Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Marital Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over petitions for declaration of nullity of marriage.
Government Spending on Refresher Courses That Benefit Both Employees and the Agency
Supreme Court rules government agencies may fund refresher courses that prepare employees for eligibility exams when the agency also benefits.
Judicial Clemency and Attorney Reinstatement: The Torres Case and the High Bar for True Reform
The Supreme Court denied Atty. Torres's petition for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reinstatement to the Philippine Bar.
Supreme Court Dismisses Baseless Complaint Against CA Justice and Lawyer
The Supreme Court dismissed unverified complaints against a Court of Appeals justice and a lawyer, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence in administrative cases.
Optional Retirement: Employer Consent Is Key to Benefit Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on optional retirement and the crucial role of employer consent in entitlement to retirement benefits.
Upholding Local Authority When Business Permits AND Public Welfare Collide
Supreme Court ruling on when local governments may validly withhold permits and shut down businesses for sanitation violations.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal and what employers must prove.
Upholding Title Security: Collateral Attacks on Land Titles Face Strict Scrutiny
The Supreme Court reaffirms that Torrens titles, including those from emancipation patents, cannot be collaterally attacked, protecting landowners from indirect challenges.
When Can a Mayor Issue a Cease and Desist Order: Balancing Public Welfare and Business Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may issue cease and desist orders against businesses and the limits of injunctive relief.
Grave Misconduct for Teachers Who Leased School Property Without Authority
Supreme Court holds school officials liable for grave misconduct for unauthorized lease of school premises, affirming dismissal from service.
Breach of Notarial Duty: Upholding Integrity in Legal Practice
Explore how the Supreme Court reinforced accountability for public officers in lease and procurement irregularities.
Statutory Rape and Rape by Sexual Assault: Penalties and Damages Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties and damages for statutory rape and rape by sexual assault against minors under Philippine law.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When Driving on the Wrong Lane Determines Liability in Collisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how traffic violations like wrong-lane driving establish negligence and liability in vehicle collisions.
Redundancy Programs and Employee Rights: Understanding Valid Dismissals and Separation Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid redundancy programs, separation pay, quitclaims, and GSIS gratuity pay in PNB v. Dalmacio.
Protecting Press Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Interest Reporting
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on actual malice, qualified privilege, and libel in reporting on public officials' conduct.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Duty of Moral Ascendancy in Familial Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a father's rape conviction, explaining why moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous abuse.