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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Checks and Balances When Regional Prosecutors Overstep Local Authority in Preliminary Investigations
When can a regional prosecutor take over a city prosecutor's case? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of supervision and control.
The Weight of a Minor's Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility vs Presumption of Innocence
How Philippine courts weigh a minor rape victim's testimony against the presumption of innocence, and when delay in reporting does not destroy credibility.
When a Trial Judge Defies a Higher Court: Annulling a Decision Issued Despite a TRO
The Supreme Court annuls a trial court decision rendered in defiance of a Court of Appeals TRO, reaffirming judicial hierarchy and due process.
Silence Isn't Always Acquiescence: Examining Delays in Witness Testimony in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a witness's delayed report of a murder doesn't automatically destroy credibility, especially when fear of reprisal is involved.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: How the Control Test Decides Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test in distinguishing employees from independent contractors, using a movie theater painter's illegal dismissal case.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Unreliability of Recantations in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for incestuous rape, explaining why delayed reporting and retractions do not destroy a victim's credible testimony.
Judicial Ethics Under Scrutiny: Dismissal for Immorality and Misconduct
Supreme Court dismisses judge for illicit affair and courtroom drinking, reinforcing strict judicial ethics standards in the Philippines.
Credibility of Rape Victims: Affidavit of Desistance and Delay in Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why delayed reporting and affidavits of desistance do not automatically destroy a rape victim's credibility.
Limits on Foreign Troops in Domestic Conflicts: The Balikatan 02-1 Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that foreign troops may train and assist but cannot engage in offensive combat on Philippine soil without constitutional authority.
Mining Rights vs State Control: Balancing Private Investment and Public Interest in Diwalwal
The Supreme Court affirms that mining permits are privileges, not vested rights, and the State may study direct utilization of mineral resources.
Voting Rights of Assigned Shares: Ensuring Corporate Control in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies voting rights of assigned shares and how corporations can protect control through share restrictions and legal safeguards.
Public vs Private Sector: Defining Government Control in Anti-Graft Cases
When is a government employee a public officer? The Macalino case clarifies jurisdiction in anti-graft prosecutions.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers in Land Transactions
When is a deed of sale with right of repurchase actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains in Blancia v. Calauor.
Who Pays When Rebellion Sparks Insurance Claims: Burden of Proof on Insurers
When fire destroys insured property, who must prove the cause? The Supreme Court clarifies insurers' burden in rebellion-related claims.
Judicial Ethics: When a Courtroom Brawl Leads to Sanctions for Unbecoming Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on two judges fighting over a table, and the ethical standards expected of every magistrate.
The Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: De los Santos v. NLRC
How Philippine courts determine the real employer using the control test, and why a labor-only contractor cannot shield a company from liability.
Funding Education Balancing Local Control AND National Mandates IN Special Education Fund Usage
Supreme Court clarifies which teacher salaries and scholarship grants may be charged to a local government's Special Education Fund.
Usury Under Scrutiny: How the Supreme Court Uncovers Hidden Interest in Loan Agreements
In First Metro Investment Corp. v. Este del Sol, the Supreme Court exposed underwriting and consultancy fees as cloaks for usurious interest in a 1978 loan.
Delayed Reporting in Statutory Rape: When Delay Does Not Destroy Victim Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why delayed reporting of statutory rape does not automatically undermine a minor victim's credibility.
Unlicensed Firearm Use in Murder: Retroactive Law and Double Jeopardy Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retroactive application of R.A. 8294 and its effect on separate charges for illegal firearm possession.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Judge Fined for Improper Ex Parte TRO Issuance
Supreme Court holds judge liable for issuing 20-day TRO without summary hearing, violating Administrative Circular No. 20-95.
The Limits of Property Rights: Ensuring Due Process in Demolition Cases
A judge's 20-day ex parte TRO violated due process. Learn the rules on temporary restraining orders in property disputes.
Reasonable Doubt and Malversation: Rebutting the Presumption of Guilt
How a disbursing officer's stroke rebutted the presumption of malversation, showing proof beyond reasonable doubt still matters.
Wage Disputes and Managerial Prerogatives: Balancing Labor Rights and Business Realities
In LMG Chemicals v. Secretary of Labor, the Supreme Court upheld a wage increase and retroactive CBA, clarifying the limits of an employer's financial-loss defense.