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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When Prohibition Fails: Understanding the Limits of Extraordinary Writs in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may be used despite a pending information, and how fair reporting protects the press from libel.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Justice for Child Rape Victims in the Philippines
A look at People v. Otos, where the Supreme Court affirmed a child rape conviction, clarifying the role of medical evidence and victim testimony.
Robbery With Homicide and Conspiracy: Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability for robbery with homicide, conspiracy, and penalties under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Just Cause Explained
The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when loss of trust and confidence is a valid just cause.
Credible Testimony Prevails Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, ruling medical evidence of penetration is not indispensable.
Can Landowners Force Water Disconnection for Informal Settlers? Supreme Court Says No
The Supreme Court ruled landowners cannot compel water utilities to disconnect services to informal settlers, balancing property rights with essential services.
Contempt of Court for Disobeying Supreme Court Orders: The PGBI v. Comelec Case
When the Comelec ignored a Supreme Court status quo order on party-list inclusion, the Court held it in contempt—explaining the limits of obedience.
Party-List Registration and Religious Affiliation: COMELEC's Jurisdiction Explained
When can COMELEC cancel a party-list's registration for being a religious front, and when does the HRET take over? The Supreme Court clarifies.
When a Court Order Is Ignored: Comelec Held in Contempt in Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Case
The Supreme Court held the Comelec in contempt for defying a status quo order in a party-list case, a reminder that all government bodies must obey court directives.
Exclusive Franchises and Public Utilities: Constitutional Limits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down Section 47 of PD 198 as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exclusive franchises for public utilities are prohibited by the Constitution.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Moral Ascendancy and the Law Applicable at Time of Crime
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that moral ascendancy substitutes for force and that the law in effect at the time of the crime governs.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Understanding Consent and Legal Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and clarifies the applicable law and damages.
Upholding Legal Ethics Attorneys Must Respect THE LAW AND Legal Processes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on co-ownership, Torrens titles, and partition actions in Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Proving Co-Ownership
Unmarried couples in the Philippines must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property. Learn the rules from Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Union Legitimacy Protecting Workers Rights To Organize Despite Technicalities
The Supreme Court protects workers' right to organize, ruling that minor documentation issues and mixed membership do not invalidate a union's legitimacy.
Mortgage Obligations and Appeal Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on mortgage obligations, appeal periods, and writs of execution in a dispute between borrowers and PNB.
Alibi Cannot Overcome a Child Victim's Positive Identification: Lessons from People v. Jacinto
The Supreme Court in People v. Jacinto affirmed a child rape conviction, ruling that alibi cannot prevail over the victim's positive identification and clarifying juvenile sentencing.
Executive Judge Powers: Limits on Reassigning Court Personnel to Other Roles
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that executive judges cannot indefinitely reassign court personnel to duties outside their job description.
Renewed Policies, Renewed Taxes: DST on Life Insurance Increases
Supreme Court rules documentary stamp tax applies to renewed life insurance policies and additional group members, not just original issuance.
Good Faith No Defense for Sheriff Who Collected Execution Fees Without Court Approval
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for grave misconduct, dishonesty, and neglect of duty for collecting execution expenses without prior court approval.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Due Diligence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for employee negligence and the burden of proving due diligence in labor cases.
Pre-CARL Land Reclassification Shielding Property From Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when municipal reclassification of land before the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law exempts property from coverage.
Punctuality in Public Service: Sanctions for Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court reiterates that habitual tardiness violates the constitutional canon that public office is a public trust, imposing suspensions and reprimands on erring employees.
PAGCOR's Evolving Tax Status: Navigating Exemptions and Constitutional Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability under RA 9337—subject to income tax but exempt from VAT.