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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Land Registration: Proving Ownership and Possession for Public Land Titles
Learn the strict requirements for registering public land under PD 1529, including proof of possession since June 12, 1945.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dying Declarations and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling on murder clarifies dying declarations, abuse of superior strength, and damages in criminal cases.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: People v. Soriaga
The Supreme Court explains why minor lapses in drug evidence handling do not automatically mean acquittal in People v. Soriaga.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why minor lapses in drug evidence handling don't automatically mean acquittal in buy-bust cases.
Upholding Drug Sale Conviction: Integrity of Evidence and Due Process
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, ruling that minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not automatically render seized drugs inadmissible.
The Weight of a Dying Declaration in Affirming a Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when a victim's dying words naming an assailant are admissible and sufficient to affirm a murder conviction.
Land Bank's Right to Question Agrarian Land Valuation: Davao Fruits v. LBP
The Supreme Court affirms Land Bank's legal standing to seek judicial determination of just compensation in agrarian reform cases.