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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Contractual Obligations and Delivery Disputes: When Factual Findings Prevail
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld factual findings in a delivery dispute, reinforcing the binding nature of trial court determinations in contractual obligations.
Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Philippine Employees Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when preventive suspension and resignation amount to constructive dismissal, and what employees must prove.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity for Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove the chain of custody, emphasizing evidence integrity.
Self-Defense vs Conspiracy: Criminal Liability in Group Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense is available in group violence and how conspiracy affects criminal liability.
Intent vs Action: Distinguishing Attempted From Frustrated Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a stab wound amounts to attempted rather than frustrated homicide, and the proof required.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court clarifies that a Torrens title gives the registered owner a better right to possession than an unregistered deed of sale.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Amount to Extrinsic Fraud: Amihan Bus Lines v. Romars
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's mistakes can justify annulment of judgment, and when clients must bear the consequences.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Mental Retardation and the Assessment of Force and Consent
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape charge built on force and intimidation does not require the victim's mental retardation to be alleged in the information.
Protecting Minors: Why Anger or Resentment Cannot Justify Rape Accusations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape accusations against minors cannot be dismissed as products of anger or resentment, upholding conviction based on credible testimony.
Attorney Negligence and Extrinsic Fraud: The Limits of Legal Recourse in Philippine Law
When a lawyer's negligence costs a client the case, can the judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on extrinsic fraud.
Subrogation Rights Protecting Banks in Loan Agreement Reversals
When a bank pays another party's debt, legal subrogation may let it recover. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule.
Right to Information vs Confidentiality in Professional Exams: Antolin v. Domondon
The Supreme Court balances the constitutional right to information against confidentiality rules for professional licensure exams in Antolin v. Domondon.
Valid Warrantless Arrest Upholding Drug Conviction Based on In Flagrante Delicto
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction, ruling warrantless arrest valid when suspect caught in flagrante delicto exchanging shabu.
Kidnapping for Ransom and the Law on Child Victims: People v. Siongco
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of two men for kidnapping an 11-year-old boy for ransom, clarifying the law on consent, conspiracy, and damages.
Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping: A Strict Requirement in NLRC Appeals
Learn why the Supreme Court strictly requires a certificate of non-forum shopping in NLRC appeals and what happens when it is missing.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Primacy of Victim Testimony in Statutory Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed that a minor victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a statutory rape conviction.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court rules registered owners have better right to possession than occupants holding unregistered deeds, even notarized ones.
Defining the Lines: Independent Contractor vs Employee Status in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between independent contractors and employees, and the fatal consequences of procedural lapses in labor appeals.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Doubts on Victim's Behavior
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's initial inconsistent reports and lack of bruises do not negate the crime.
Decoding Independent Contractors When Control Determines Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer-employee relationship tests and the mandatory certificate of non-forum shopping in NLRC appeals.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: Slightest Penetration Suffices Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms statutory rape convictions, clarifying that slight penetration and credible child testimony are enough to convict.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Sale: Who Has Better Right to Possess Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a Torrens title prevails over an unregistered deed of sale in disputes over land possession.
Premature Legal Action: Understanding Ripeness in Declaratory Relief Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a declaratory relief case is premature and how the doctrine of primary jurisdiction applies.