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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Rape Conviction of Mentally Disabled Victim: Credibility and Damages Explained
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible testimony of mentally disabled victim, awards civil, moral, and exemplary damages.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Filing Similar Cases Can Get Your Suit Dismissed
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping in the Philippines and why filing similar cases can lead to dismissal with prejudice.
Continuing Security: How Future Debts Can Affect Real Estate Mortgages in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how a real estate mortgage can secure future loans, not just the original debt, through continuing guaranty clauses.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Rape and Parental Betrayal in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 11-year-old daughter is qualified rape. The Supreme Court explains the rules on incestuous rape, penalty, and damages.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court explains what evidence proves psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code in Agraviador v. Agraviador.
Construction Disputes: Substantial Completion and Liquidated Damages in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 95% substantial completion bars liquidated damages in construction disputes under CIAP rules.
Bigamy and Nullity: When a Void Marriage Declaration Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a belated judicial declaration of nullity of a first marriage does not automatically defeat a bigamy charge under Philippine law.
Credibility Counts: Upholding Justice for Victims with Disabilities in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for qualified rape of his 11-year-old daughter, underscoring credibility and medical evidence.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at what makes illegal recruitment a crime of economic sabotage, who can be held liable, and the penalties involved.
Compromise Agreements: When Can a Court Modify a Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judgment by compromise can be modified, and why finality usually prevails.
Unconscionable Interest Rates in the Philippines: When Courts Can Intervene
When can courts strike down excessive interest rates? Learn from Toledo v. Hyden, a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unconscionable interest.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.
Option Contract vs. Right of First Refusal: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Learn the difference between an option contract and a right of first refusal in Philippine real estate, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Tuazon v. Del Rosario-Suarez.
Equal Protection and Executive Power: The Philippine Truth Commission Case
The Supreme Court struck down Executive Order No. 1 creating the 2010 Truth Commission for violating equal protection. Learn why.
Party-List Nominee Qualifications and HRET Jurisdiction After Proclamation
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on party-list nominee qualifications, COMELEC jurisdiction, and HRET's sole authority after proclamation.
Sequestration Orders and Property Rights: The PCGG Two-Commissioner Rule
When is a sequestration order void? The Supreme Court explains the PCGG's non-delegable power to sequester alleged ill-gotten wealth.
Clerks Of Court Upholding Integrity AND Accountability IN Philippine Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court affirms that clerks of court are guardians of judiciary funds, holding them accountable for financial integrity and public trust.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: Proving Ownership in Philippine Land Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on burden of proof in inheritance disputes over titled land, and the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.
When a Demand Letter Does Not Create a Cause of Action: Lessons from Ilusorio
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor's demand letter constitutes harassment or simply an exercise of contractual rights.
When Can Courts Intervene in Utility Disputes: The Manzanal v. Ilusorio Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter becomes an actionable wrong and when courts may intervene in club disputes.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Law and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape rules under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, including penalties and damages for child victims.
Writ of Execution in the Philippines: A Sheriff's Duty and Liability for Neglect
Explaining a sheriff's ministerial duty in executing writs, and the administrative liability for neglect, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Upholding the Christmas Bonus in Collective Bargaining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers cannot bypass a valid CBA by negotiating with a splinter union.
Mandamus and Mootness: When a Judge's Action Renders a Petition Unnecessary
The Supreme Court explains when a mandamus petition becomes moot because the judge already acted, using a mining damage case as example.