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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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.
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.
Extrinsic Fraud and Attorney Negligence: Due Process in Philippine Courts
When does a lawyer's negligence amount to extrinsic fraud? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Amihan Bus Lines v. Romars.
Rape and Consent: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts handle rape cases involving victims with mental disabilities, and what constitutes force and consent.
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.
Defiance OF Return TO Work Order Just Cause FOR Dismissal OF Union Officers
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.
Revocation of Special Administration: Balancing Discretion and Due Process in Estate Settlement
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on revoking special administrators and appointing regular administrators in estate proceedings.
When Relationships Blur Lines: Morality in the Public Sector
Court clarifies when a judiciary employee's relationship with a married person amounts to disgraceful or immoral conduct requiring proof of knowledge.
Laches and Land Ownership: Protecting Established Rights Against Delayed Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accion publiciana, Torrens titles, and laches in land ownership disputes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Constructive Dismissal and the Burden of Proof in Illegal Termination Cases
Understand the burden of proof in illegal termination cases, including constructive dismissal, and what employees and employers must establish.
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.
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.
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.
Electricity Disconnection in the Philippines: When Can a Utility Cut Your Power?
Know your rights when a utility disconnects your electricity. Philippine law requires due process—here's what a utility must prove first.
Due Process in Termination: The Two-Notice Rule and Just Cause in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law requires employers to follow the two-notice rule and prove just cause before dismissing an employee. This case explains both requirements.
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspension FOR Dishonored Checks AND Disregard OF Legal Processes
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Dishonored Check and Disregard of Court Processes
A.C. No. 8390: Lawyer suspended two years for issuing a bouncing check and repeatedly ignoring court and IBP orders.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Which Court Has Jurisdiction Over Property Disputes
Learn which court can cancel a notice of lis pendens in Philippine property disputes, based on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Land Ownership: Open, Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945 Required
Land registration requires proof of open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945, plus evidence the land is alienable and disposable.