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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Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how moral ascendancy can replace force or intimidation in rape cases involving relatives.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: What People v. XXX Means for Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a relative's moral ascendancy can substitute for force or intimidation in proving qualified rape.
Proving Dismissal in Labor Disputes: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
Learn when resignation is voluntary or forced, and how employees must prove dismissal in illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
Mortgage Sales and Interest Claims: Lessons from DBP v. Heirs of Danico
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of mortgaged property become liable for interest and how mortgage obligations are enforced.
Consent and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court acquitted in a rape case, showing how weak proof of force or intimidation can defeat a criminal charge.
Heirs Can Assert Succession Rights Without Prior Judicial Declaration: Treyes v. Larlar
The Supreme Court clarifies that legal heirs may enforce their successional rights in an ordinary civil action without first securing a judicial declaration of heirship.
Sheriff Misconduct in Property Disputes: When Enforcing a Writ Becomes Oppression
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sheriff's enforcement of a writ crosses into grave abuse of authority or oppression in property disputes.
Understanding Rape Convictions: The Power of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, clarifying key rules on force, resistance, and damages in Philippine rape cases.
Understanding Incestuous Rape Legal Insights AND Protections FOR Minors IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms 14 convictions for incestuous rape of minors, explaining the legal elements, penalties, and why a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force.
Execution Pending Appeal in Ejectment Cases: Immediate Judgment Enforcement in the Philippines
Learn how execution pending appeal works in Philippine ejectment cases, including the mandatory rule and key Supreme Court rulings.
Property Disputes and Surveys: Why Courts Order Relocation Surveys in Writ of Possession Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may order a survey to ensure a writ of possession is enforced on the correct property.
Extrajudicial Ejectment in Philippine Leases: What the CJH v. Aniceto Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial ejectment clauses in lease agreements are valid and enforceable in the Philippines.
Understanding Administrative Liability in Law Enforcement Raids: Lessons From a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges face administrative liability for delayed decisions, offering lessons on accountability in the justice system.
Understanding Consent and Force in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Rulings
A look at how Philippine courts evaluate force, threat, and intimidation in rape cases, and why the "sweetheart defense" rarely succeeds.
Surety Bonds and Written Principal Agreements: What the Supreme Court Says
When is a written principal agreement required before a surety bond can be enforced? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cellpage v. Solid Guaranty.
Constructive Dismissal for Sexual Harassment: Employer Liability Under Philippine Law
When an employer's inaction on a sexual harassment complaint forces an employee to resign, it may be constructive dismissal. Learn the rules.
Direct Assault vs. Resistance to Authority: The Mallari Case Explained
The Supreme Court in Mallari v. People clarifies when force against a police officer is direct assault or merely resistance to authority.
When Quitclaims Don't Count: Protecting OFWs From Forced Resignations
Supreme Court rules quitclaims signed under duress don't bar OFW claims, affirming constructive dismissal in Al-Masiya case.
Breach of Contract: Enforceability of Employment Contracts Absent Actual Deployment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a perfected employment contract binds parties even without actual deployment, and which court has jurisdiction over breach claims.
Holder in Due Course Rights Prevail Over Stop Payment Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules a holder in due course can enforce bank drafts despite stop payment orders, explaining drawer liability under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Optional Retirement Under Labor Code: When Early Retirement Requires Employee Consent
SC clarifies optional retirement rules: employees cannot be forced to retire before 65 without explicit, voluntary consent under Article 302.
Sheriffs Must Give Due Notice Before Enforcing Writs of Execution
A sheriff who evicts a party without the required notice commits grave abuse of authority. Learn the rules on writ enforcement.
When Sheriffs Evict Too Fast: The Three-Day Notice Rule in Property Cases
A sheriff who enforced a writ of execution without the required three-day notice was fined P10,000 for grave abuse of authority.
Donation Revocation: Balancing Donor Intent and Donee Compliance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a donation's automatic revocation clause is valid and how courts review its enforcement.