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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Ejectment Case Victory: Why Judges Must Enforce Demolition Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules judges have a ministerial duty to issue demolition orders in ejectment cases, even if ownership is questioned.
Self Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force
Philippine law allows force only against unlawful aggression. Learn the limits from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Sabalones.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of Persons With Mental Disability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that rape of a mental retardate requires less force, and explains why conviction stands.
Intimidation in Rape Cases: How Philippine Courts Determine Consent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how force and intimidation are assessed in rape cases involving victims with mental disabilities.
When Acts of God Disrupt Travel: Airline Liability for Flight Delays in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability for passenger expenses during flight delays caused by force majeure, like the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Arbitration Clauses and Due Process
When can a foreign judgment be enforced in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains arbitration clauses, due process, and presumptive validity of foreign rulings.
Forced Resignation vs Voluntary Retirement: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retirement is forced and illegal, protecting employee tenure and rights.
Forced Resignation in Labor Cases: When Proof of Intimidation Is Required
Teachers' resignations upheld as voluntary absent proof of intimidation; NLRC awards corrected for 13th month pay, vacation leave, and prescription.
Corporate Mergers and Contract Enforcement: Successor Liability in the Philippines
When a Philippine corporation merges, the surviving company assumes all rights and liabilities—even for contracts signed after the merger agreement.
Forced Retirement in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Policies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on forced retirement, optional retirement age, and illegal dismissal in labor cases.
Immediate Execution in Ejectment Cases: Why Delaying Tactics Won't Work
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces immediate execution in ejectment cases and why delaying tactics like motions for reconsideration won't stop a writ.
Rape Conviction Reversal: When Consensual Sex Becomes Forced
Supreme Court acquits pastor in rape case, explaining how a complainant's post-incident conduct can cast doubt on claims of force.
When a Creditor's Actions Cross the Line: Abuse of Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Learn when a creditor's enforcement actions become unlawful abuse of rights under Philippine law, with practical guidance.
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.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Legally Use Force?
Philippine law allows force only when unlawful aggression is real. Learn the three elements of self-defense and why claims often fail.
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.
Police Use of Force: When Does Protection Become Illegal Search and Seizure
The Supreme Court clarifies when police stops and frisks cross the line into unconstitutional searches, using a grenade possession case as the example.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains the two elements of statutory rape and why force, hymenal integrity, and spermatozoa are irrelevant.
Automatic Contract Cancellation: What Buyers Must Know in Philippine Real Estate
The Supreme Court explains when automatic cancellation clauses in contracts to sell are valid and enforceable in Philippine real estate.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal in a lease binds the lessor, and why sublessees generally cannot enforce it.
Compromise Agreements and Judicial Enforcement: When Courts Can Compel Compliance
Learn when Philippine courts can compel compliance with compromise agreements, using the 1997 De Leon case as a guide.
Rape THE Nuances OF Force AND Consent IN Philippine LAW
Compromise Agreements in Estate Settlements: Validity and Enforceability
Learn when compromise agreements partitioning inherited property are valid without court approval, and why probate courts cannot finally rule on ownership.
Rape by an Uncle: Moral Ascendancy and Abuse of Trust in Family Dynamics
A Supreme Court ruling on uncle-niece rape clarifies how moral ascendancy and intimidation satisfy the element of force in Philippine rape law.