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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Protecting the Young: Statutory Rape Conviction and the Weakness of Alibi
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that alibi cannot defeat positive identification in statutory rape cases involving minors.
Conspiracy and Falsification: Probable Cause in Private Document Cases
How the Supreme Court clarified that conspiracy allegations in falsification cases need only probable cause at preliminary stages, not proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Lessor's Lien vs Chattel Mortgage: Rights Over Leased Property After Default
When a lessor takes a tenant's property for unpaid rent and a lender later claims the same items under a chattel mortgage, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Fixed-Term Contracts Must Not Circumvent Workers’ Rights
The Supreme Court rules that fixed-term contracts cannot be used to circumvent an employee's security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Treachery Defined: When a Sudden Attack Constitutes Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, raising a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony, intimidation, and corroborating evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Union Security vs. Employee Rights: Navigating Unfair Labor Practice Claims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employer's compliance with a union security clause is valid and what constitutes unfair labor practice.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why Water Rate Disputes Must First Go to the NWRB
The Supreme Court rules that water rate disputes must first be elevated to the NWRB before going to court, reinforcing the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies.
Automatic Reversion in Donations: Land Returns to Donor, Improvements Stay With Donee
Supreme Court rules on automatic reversion of donated land when conditions fail, and the fate of buildings on reverted property.
Attorney Disbarred for Abandoning Client After Receiving Full Payment for Legal Services
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who took full payment but abandoned client's case, violating the duty of fidelity and diligence.
Expanding Protection: Conspiracy and In-Laws Under the Anti-VAWC Act
The Supreme Court rules that parents-in-law can be held liable under R.A. 9262 through conspiracy, expanding protection for women.
Warranty Against Eviction in Car Sales: Buyer's Duty to Verify Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on warranty against eviction, prescription periods, and buyer's duty to verify ownership in used car sales.
When Courts, Not HLURB, Decide Contract Disputes: Cadimas v. Carrion
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every subdivision property dispute falls under HLURB jurisdiction—ordinary contract breaches belong in regular courts.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke Section 21's chain of custody rules, protecting the accused's right to a fair trial.
Witness Credibility in Frustrated Homicide: Motive and Consistency in Angeles v. People
How the Supreme Court weighs witness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and absence of ill motive in a frustrated homicide conviction under Philippine law.
Defining HLURB Jurisdiction When Real Estate Disputes Fall Under Court Authority
When does a real estate dispute belong in court instead of the HLURB? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cadimas v. Carrion.
Cause of Action Ruling Protects Employee Benefit Claims Despite Procedural Labeling
Supreme Court rules employee benefit claims stand on complaint allegations, not procedural labels, protecting workers' rights to statutory compensation.
Fair Valuation in Agrarian Reform: Just Compensation Under R.A. 6657
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under P.D. 27 must follow R.A. 6657 and DAR regulations, not outdated formulas.
Relief From Judgment Not Available in the Supreme Court: Purcon v. MRM Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why a petition for relief from judgment under Rule 38 cannot be filed in the High Court.
Security of Tenure and Just Compensation in Agrarian Disputes: Heirs of Tabuena v. Land Bank
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners are estopped from questioning agrarian land valuation after accepting payment and executing assignment deeds.
Upholding Contractual Obligations in Agrarian Reform: The Binding Effect of Deeds of Assignment
A deed of assignment signed by a landowner in agrarian reform can bar a later claim for higher just compensation, as the Supreme Court ruled.
Fictitious Payee Rule and Bank Liability in Check Payments
When is a named payee "fictitious" under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains who bears the loss when checks are paid without indorsement.
Supreme Court: Technicalities Should Not Defeat Substantial Justice in Land Disputes
SC rules procedural lapses should not bar resolution of land dispute on merits, remanding case to Office of the President.
Employer Rights vs Employee Due Process: Illegal Dismissal and Nominal Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that even valid dismissals require procedural due process, with nominal damages for violations.