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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Slight Penetration Enough for Statutory Rape Conviction, SC Rules
SC clarifies that slight penetration suffices for statutory rape; erroneous citation of law in information does not invalidate charge.
Court of Appeals Erred in Dismissing Case Against Monzon: Jurisdiction Acquired Through Counsel
Supreme Court rules CA acquired jurisdiction over respondent through service to counsel of record, reversing dismissal order.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Company Doctor vs. Mutually Appointed Physician
The Supreme Court ruled that a company doctor's disability assessment stands unless the seafarer questions it or seeks a mutually appointed physician's evaluation.
Protecting Childhood: Defining Carnal Knowledge in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration suffices for statutory rape, protecting child victims like a four-year-old in this case.
Untimely Relief: The High Cost of Delay in Labor Disputes
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled on laches, tolerance, and compensation in property disputes involving government agencies.
Unregistered Deeds vs Torrens Title: Who Wins Possession Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules registered owners or heirs beat unregistered deed holders in ejectment cases, citing Torrens title superiority.
Unilateral Interest Rate Setting in Loan Agreements: Mutuality of Contracts Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unilateral interest rate setting in PNB loan agreements and the mutuality of contracts principle.
Just Compensation and Inflation: What Expropriation Law Really Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that inflation is not added to just compensation; interest covers currency devaluation in expropriation cases.
Tolerance Doctrine Limits Permissive Occupation of Registered Land
Explore how the Supreme Court applied the tolerance doctrine in DepEd v. Casibang, protecting registered owners' rights against laches claims.
Unlawful Detainer: Why a Sufficient Complaint Wins Even When Defendant Defaults
In unlawful detainer cases, a defendant's failure to file an answer means judgment rests on the complaint's facts alone—no evidence required.
Ejectment Cases: Why a Torrens Title Beats an Unregistered Deed of Sale
The Supreme Court explains why registered owners prevail over unregistered buyers in ejectment cases, and when courts should suspend proceedings.
When Can an Employer Fire for Serious Misconduct and Loss of Trust? A Guide
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for serious misconduct and loss of trust and confidence in managerial employees.
Timely Compensation Determining Interest on Delayed Agrarian Land Payments
The Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest accrues on delayed agrarian reform compensation, ruling it runs from the time of taking, not from revaluation.
Tolerance Ends Landowners Right Prevails Over Long Term Use In Property Dispute
Philippine Supreme Court rules that possession by mere tolerance does not ripen into ownership, and laches cannot bar a registered owner's right to recover property.
Relaxation of Procedural Rules When Justice Demands Flexibility in Government Land Recovery
Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, failure to file an answer warrants judgment based on the complaint's allegations alone.
Upholding Land Title Integrity: State Authority Over Public Domain Prevails
Supreme Court remands land title cancellation case, ruling procedural lapses by the OSG should not bar the State from recovering allegedly fraudulent titles.
Unregistered Deeds vs Torrens Title: Resolving Possession Disputes in Ejectment Cases
When a defendant fails to answer an unlawful detainer complaint, courts must render judgment based on the complaint's allegations, not demand preponderance of evidence.
Notarial Misconduct Lawyers Accountability FOR Improper Notarization
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: Defining the Boundaries of Public Office Eligibility
The Supreme Court rules that libel is a crime involving moral turpitude, disqualifying a convicted candidate from public office under the Omnibus Election Code.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Good Faith Is No Defense in Disciplinary Cases
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for issuing worthless checks, clarifying that good faith is not a defense in disciplinary proceedings.
Breach OF Duty Disbarment FOR Unauthorized Notarization AND Violation OF Lawyers Oath
COMELEC Authority Over Election Officers and Execution Pending Appeal Rules
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC's supervisory power over election officers and when courts lose jurisdiction to order execution pending appeal.
Upholding Lawyers Duty Honesty AND Diligence IN Legal Practice
Disbarment for Forgery and Misrepresentation in Marriage Nullity Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed nullity petition without client's consent, forged signature, and misrepresented herself as counsel.