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 With Rape: Consent, Sweetheart Theory, and the Madsali Case
The Madsali case clarifies when a against her will—language sufficient to charge kidnapping. Since AAA was a minor, was detained for more than three days, and was raped during the detention, all eleme
Adverse Claims and Execution Liens: Priority Rules in Philippine Property Law
When an adverse claim is annotated on a title before a levy on execution, the earlier claim prevails. This case explains the priority rule.
Psychological Incapacity: When Personality Disorders Do Not Nullify a Marriage
The Supreme Court clarifies that a diagnosis of personality disorders alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Board Resolution Not Always Required for Corporate Verification in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may sign verification and certification against forum shopping without a board resolution.
Franchise TAX Exemptions Actual Payment NOT Required FOR Availment
The Limits of Self-Defense: Establishing Unlawful Aggression in Homicide Cases
Explore how Philippine courts require clear proof of unlawful aggression for self-defense claims, using a 2010 murder case as guide.
Arrastre Operator's Duty of Care: Liability for Lost Cargo After Delivery
When is an arrastre operator liable for lost cargo? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty of care and limits of liability in Asian Terminals v. Daehan.
Challenging Election Results: Strict Rules for Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for pre-proclamation controversies in Philippine election law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Saño v. COMELEC.
Priority of Land Titles: Tracing Back to Original Certificates of Title
When two Torrens titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. Tracing back to original certificates of title is key.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Distinguishing Roles and Defining Accountability
When do employees of an illegal recruiter face criminal liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on conspiracy, syndicate, and penalties.
Upholding Public Land Rights Denying Land Registration Within Military Reservations
Supreme Court affirms that lands inside military reservations and forest lands are inalienable public domain, not registrable.
Perfected Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Ownership Transfer and Good Faith in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and how good faith determines ownership in double sales.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Valid Cause for Dismissal: Bibiana Farms v. Lado
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and what procedural due process requires in employee termination.
Customs Bonds: Contractual Obligations vs Tax Collection Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that suits on customs bonds are contractual, not tax collection cases, so appeals go to the Court of Appeals.
Due Process in Termination: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal for just cause still requires procedural due process, with nominal damages for violations.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Foreclosure Annulment
When a final judgment can be appealed, certiorari is not available. Learn the procedural rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Union Leave vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Rights in the Workplace
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union leave, management prerogative, and the consequences of defying a disapproved leave application.
Resignation Does Not Shield Court Personnel From Administrative Liability for Dishonesty
Court aide's resignation did not erase administrative liability for stealing a judge's money; forfeiture and disqualification still imposed.
Balancing Indigenous Land Rights and Government Authority: Clarifying the Scope of NCIP Injunction Powers
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP may issue injunctions in ancestral land disputes, balancing indigenous rights against government authority.
When a Lessor Evicts Sublessees Before the Lease Ends: Sunbanun v. Go
The Supreme Court held a lessor liable for damages after ejecting her tenant's lodgers months before the lease expired, because the contract allowed a lodging house.
Double Sale or Ownership: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve property disputes, from double sales to registration issues, and what the Diaz v. Republic ruling means for landowners.
Breach OF Trust When CAN AN Employees Actions Justify Termination
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: The Duty of Care and Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and the duty of a mother's live-in partner.
Intent to Gain in Robbery With Homicide: Key Element in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains intent to gain as a decisive element in robbery with homicide, clarifying the rules on killing incidental to robbery.