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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Contempt and Corporate Audits: The Boundaries of Court Orders and Stockholder Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when court-ordered corporate audits and contempt citations stand—and when they become moot.
Unauthorized Practice of Law and Judicial Ethics: Lessons from Ciocon-Reer v. Lubao
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative liability and penalizes a non-lawyer for unauthorized practice of law.
Breach of Trust: Examining Guilt in Step-Parent Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and threats establish intimidation in incestuous rape.
Treachery and Witness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In People v. Dones, the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction based on a single eyewitness and explained when treachery qualifies a killing.
Determining the Reckoning Point for Unlawful Detainer Actions: The Significance of the Final Demand to Vacate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the one-year period for unlawful detainer is counted from the last demand to vacate, not lease expiration.
Employee Theft and Termination: Defining Analogous Serious Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law
When does stealing a co-worker's property justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Upholding Public Trust: Dishonesty Leads to Dismissal Despite Mitigating Factors
Supreme Court ruling shows falsifying a Daily Time Record is grave dishonesty warranting forfeiture of retirement benefits, even after resignation.
Resignation Does Not Erase Dishonesty: Rojas v. Mina on Court Employees' Liability
The Supreme Court held that a court employee's resignation does not extinguish administrative liability for stealing and encashing checks payable to judges.
Enforced Disappearance and State Complicity: The Amparo Writ's Core Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of amparo requires proof of state involvement in enforced disappearances, not just evidence that a person is missing.
Falsification of Official Documents: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's DTR falsification underscores that public office is a public trust and dishonesty merits severe penalties.
Retirement Benefits for Judges: Voluntary Resignation vs. Involuntary Incapacity
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may retire with benefits under RA 910, distinguishing voluntary resignation from incapacity.
Retirement Benefits and Voluntary Resignation: Clarifying Eligibility Under Philippine Law
Can resignation save retirement benefits after administrative liability? The Supreme Court clarifies forfeiture rules for public officers.
Circumstantial Evidence Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
When direct evidence is lacking, circumstantial evidence can convict. The Supreme Court explains the rules in People v. Biglete.
When an Agent Exceeds Authority: Surety Bonds and the Limits of Apparent Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is liable for an agent's unauthorized surety bond, and when third persons must verify authority.
When an Employee's Unauthorized Acts Justify Dismissal: Meralco v. Dejan
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's unauthorized release of company property constitutes serious misconduct and loss of trust, justifying termination.
Custodia Legis: Ensuring Impartial Custody of Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts may order physical turnover of agrarian reform deposits to the clerk of court for custodia legis, ensuring impartial custody pending final valuation.
Age Discrepancies in Statutory Rape: Reassessing Penalties Under Special Laws and the Revised Penal Code
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a child victim's age determines whether an offender is charged with statutory rape or sexual abuse under RA 7610.
Age Matters: Distinguishing Sexual Abuse from Rape Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sexual act against a minor is sexual abuse under RA 7610 versus statutory rape under the Revised Penal Code.
When a Lease Isn't a Lease: Clarifying Rights in Market Stall Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinction between leasehold rights and ownership of improvements in market stall transactions under Philippine law.
Altering Court Orders: When Court Personnel Commit Dishonesty
A court legal researcher altered a judge's order after retirement. The Supreme Court ruled on dishonesty and penalties for court personnel.
Finality of Judgments and Why Proper Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on bid price inadequacy, deficiency recovery, and why timely appeals protect final judgments.
Litis Pendentia vs. Separate Causes of Action: A Philippine Civil Law Primer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two suits involve the same cause of action, distinguishing litis pendentia from separate proceedings.
Mortgage Validity Upholding Security Interests Amid Corporate Disputes in Metrobank vs Centro Development Corp
Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgage over corporate assets is valid, and when foreclosure exceeds the secured amount.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: Distinguishing Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between trust receipts and loan obligations, and the legal consequences for banks and borrowers.