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 Affirmed: Delay in Reporting Does Not Negate Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's delay in reporting does not automatically discredit her testimony.
Master's Degree as Tenure Requirement: University of the East v. Pepanio and Bueno
Supreme Court rules college teachers without master's degrees cannot acquire regular or tenure status, affirming government regulations on faculty qualifications.
Land Reclassification and Agrarian Reform: Prior Local Government Authority Prevails
Local government reclassification of land before June 15, 1988 can exempt property from CARP coverage, as the Supreme Court clarified in Heirs of Luna v. Afable.
Ballot Images in Electoral Protests: The Evidentiary Value of Electronic Evidence
The Supreme Court held that scanned ballot images are the functional equivalent of original paper ballots in electoral protests under the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
Second Chances: Reinstating Disbarred Attorneys Through Judicial Clemency in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court reinstated a disbarred lawyer through judicial clemency, and the guidelines for seeking a second chance.
Ballot Image Integrity and Electronic Evidence in Philippine Election Protests
Supreme Court ruling on ballot images as electronic evidence in election protests under RA 9369 and the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
Fair Election Act's One-Subject Rule: Giron v. COMELEC Explained
The Supreme Court upheld the Fair Election Act's candidate substitution and elective official provisions against a one-subject-one-title constitutional challenge.
Demand Letters as Evidence in Lease Disputes: Castro v. Palenzuela
A lessee's own evidence can cap rental liability. Learn the rule from Castro v. Palenzuela.
Retirement vs. Separation Pay: The Age Rule in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee can claim retirement benefits and when separation pay applies under the Labor Code.
Third-Party Mortgages and Stay Orders: Scope Under Philippine Rehabilitation Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that stay orders in corporate rehabilitation do not cover third-party or accommodation mortgages under the Interim Rules.
THE Weight OF Dying Declarations Affirming Convictions Based ON Victim Testimony
When Can a Government Official Hire Private Counsel? Gontang v. Alayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when local government officials may hire private lawyers despite rules requiring government counsel representation.
Reinstatement With Backwages for Employees Excluded From Illegal Strike Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that workers not charged with illegal strike cannot be treated as in pari delicto and must get backwages.
Judicial Conduct: Impartiality and Limits on a Judge's Discretion Over Staff Appointments
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on a judge's discretion in renewing staff appointments, and the boundaries of judicial conduct.
Upholding Public Land Rights: The State's Power Over Inalienable Territories
The Supreme Court reaffirms that titles over inalienable public land are void, even in the hands of innocent purchasers for value.
Resignation vs Termination: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Contract Disputes
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's request to be relieved amounts to resignation, not illegal dismissal.
Interlocutory Orders and Certiorari: The Boundaries of Judicial Review in Election Cases
When can an interlocutory order be assailed via certiorari? This case clarifies the limits of judicial review and administrative remedies.
Admonishing Delay in Executing Final Judgments: A Lesson for Judges
Sandiganbayan justices admonished for delaying execution of a final conviction, highlighting the ministerial duty to implement judgments promptly.
Judicial Immunity: When CAN Judges Be Held Liable for Their Decisions?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial immunity and when judges may face administrative liability for their rulings.
BSP Authority to Set Interest Rates and Protect Borrowers After Usury Law Suspension
The Supreme Court confirms the BSP's authority over interest rates, explains the Usury Law suspension, and protects borrowers from unconscionable charges.
Contempt of Court: Interpreting Restraining Orders and the Limits of Enforcement
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TRO binds government agencies and what acts constitute contempt in agrarian reform cases.
Forum Shopping Dismissal Affirmed FOR Seeking Conflicting Remedies IN Separate Suits
When Is a General Manager Considered a Corporate Officer? Philippine Jurisprudence
Explore how Philippine law defines corporate officers, and when a general manager may be considered one, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Parking Liability When Negligence Doesn't Extend to the Property Owner
When a car is stolen from a paid parking lot, who pays? The Supreme Court explains when the property owner escapes liability.