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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Acts of Lasciviousness vs Rape: When Touching Is Not Insertion in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when digital touching amounts to acts of lasciviousness rather than rape by sexual assault.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
When Court Personnel Overstep: The Limits of Judicial Authority in Execution Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs and clerks of court who bypass judicial authority in executing judgments.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Misappropriating Fiduciary Funds
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for dishonesty and grave misconduct after she failed to account for P238,220 in court funds.
Perjury and Venue: Where the False Statement Truly Matters
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled that venue in perjury cases depends on where the false statement is used, not where it is notarized.
Breach of Trust Dismissal Upheld for Financial Controller's Mismanagement
Supreme Court rules financial controller validly dismissed for gross neglect, serious misconduct, and loss of trust and confidence.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating Fiduciary Funds: A Lesson in Public Trust
The Supreme Court dismissed a court clerk for dishonesty and grave misconduct after she misappropriated P238,220 in fiduciary funds, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Ejectment and Back Rentals: The Greenhills Lease Dispute and the Limits of Court Awards
A stalled sublease at Greenhills Shopping Arcade leads to ejectment and a Supreme Court ruling on back rentals, estoppel, and who may recover.
Legislative Inquiry vs Individual Rights: Due Process in Senate Investigations
The Supreme Court ruled the Senate violated due process by conducting "Hello Garci" inquiries without publishing its rules of procedure.
SEC Memorandum Circulars: Publication and Filing Required for Effectivity
Supreme Court rules SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 1994 invalid for lack of publication and filing, affecting filing fee assessments.
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure Sales: Scope and Transferability Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of redemption rights in extrajudicial foreclosure sales and when such rights may be validly transferred.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: What Buyers Must Know About Payment and Transfer of Rights
Learn the rules on redeeming foreclosed property, including payment amounts and assignment of redemption rights, from a Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery Defined: Absence of Frontal Attack Does Not Preclude Murder Finding
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery can qualify a killing as murder even without a frontal attack, as long as the victim was defenseless and the mode of attack was consciously adopted.
Challenging a Judge's Qualifications: The Fine Line Between Direct and Indirect Attacks
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between direct and indirect attacks on a judge's qualifications in administrative cases.
Proportionality in Employee Discipline: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when dismissal is too harsh a penalty for workplace policy violations, explained in plain language.
Election Law: Distinguishing Disqualification From Certificate Cancellation
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between disqualification and cancellation of a certificate of candidacy in election cases.
Substantial Compliance in Appeals: When Technicalities Yield to Justice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with procedural rules can save an appeal from outright dismissal, prioritizing merits over technicalities.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: How Philippine Law Protects Landowners from Unfair Deals
The Supreme Court ruled that a deed of sale can be treated as an equitable mortgage, protecting landowners from transactions that secretly secure a debt.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Surety Liable Despite Principal Debtor's Insolvency
Supreme Court rules surety remains liable for corporate debts even after principal debtor is declared insolvent, upholding solidary obligations.
Manila Bay Cleanup Case: Ministerial Duties and the Right to a Balanced Ecology
The Supreme Court ruled government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay under environmental laws.
Valid Service of Summons: Ensuring Due Process in Electoral Protests
The Supreme Court voided service of summons by registered mail in an election protest, ruling that personal service is required to satisfy due process.
Torrens Title Stability: Courts Cannot Collaterally Attack Titles in Land Registration Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why Torrens titles cannot be collaterally attacked in administrative reconstitution proceedings.
Surety Still Liable: Insolvency of Principal Debtor Does Not Extinguish Surety's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a surety remains liable even if the principal debtor is declared insolvent. Learn the key principles from Gateway Electronics v. Asianbank.
Due Process Prevails: Officer Unfairly Dismissed Is Ordered Reinstated
The Supreme Court reinstates a police officer dismissed without notice, affirming that due process is essential in administrative proceedings.