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 Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Testimony of Child Victims in Philippine Law
A look at People v. Obero, where the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, affirming how courts assess a child victim's testimony and the finality of judgments.
Probationary Employment Security of Tenure and Due Process Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that probationary employees in the civil service enjoy security of tenure and due process rights, and cannot be dismissed at will.
Union Dues and Tuition Fee Hises: Protecting Faculty Benefits Under the Law
Supreme Court clarifies union dues on tuition-fee-funded faculty benefits, protecting mandatory allocations from negotiation fees.
Irrevocable Tax Options: Understanding the Finality of Choosing Between Tax Credit and Refund
Philippine Airlines' Supreme Court win clarifies when tax options become irrevocable and how franchise tax exemptions work.
Title Registration vs Fraudulent Claims: Protecting Good Faith Purchasers in Land Disputes
When two titles cover the same land, the Torrens system protects innocent buyers for value, even if the original patent was fraudulent.
Philippine Airlines and the MCIT: Franchise Tax Exemptions Under PD 1590 Explained
The Supreme Court ruled PAL is exempt from the minimum corporate income tax under its franchise. Learn the reasoning.
Brokerage Obligations Accounting FOR Stock Certificates AND Exchange Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stockbroker duties: accounting for missing certificates, PSE's right to sell pledged seats, and client refunds.
Judicial Misconduct: When a Judge Borrows From Lawyers and Erodes Impartiality
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for borrowing money from a lawyer with cases pending before her court, underscoring judicial integrity.
Mootness in Philippine Law: Resignation Resolves Appointment Dispute
Explore how the Supreme Court applies the mootness doctrine in Philippine administrative law, using a resignation case to illustrate key principles.
Robbery with Homicide in the Philippines: How Conspiracy Expands Criminal Liability
In People v. Musa, the Supreme Court held that all conspirators in a robbery are liable for robbery with homicide even if they did not take part in the killing.
Chattel VS Real Property Foreclosure Sale Validity Hinges ON Agreed Classification
Diligence Required Enforcing Final Judgments AND Avoiding Laches IN Philippine LAW
A 13-year delay in enforcing a final judgment bars execution by motion and constitutes laches. Learn the rules and deadlines.
Age of Criminal Responsibility: Testimonial Evidence and Protecting Juvenile Offenders
How testimonial evidence can prove a juvenile offender's age for exemption from criminal liability under RA 9344.
Breach of Trust as a Valid Ground for Dismissal in Employee Misconduct Cases
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains the rules in this labor case.
Loss of Redemption Rights: Inheriting Property After Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines
When a mortgaged property is foreclosed and not redeemed, heirs lose inheritance rights. The Supreme Court explains why.
When Banks Must Answer: BSP Decisions Appealable to Court of Appeals
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that BSP Monetary Board decisions on bank administrative complaints may be appealed to the Court of Appeals.
Due Process in Election Appeals: The 30-Day Rule for COMELEC Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies the 30-day filing period for appeals from COMELEC rulings, emphasizing strict compliance in election cases.
Confession as Key Evidence in Rape with Homicide: The Weight of Judicial Admission
How a voluntary confession and circumstantial evidence secured a rape-with-homicide conviction, and what this means for criminal cases.
Double Titling Risk: How Courts Balance Finality and Preventing Land Ownership Errors
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts balance finality of judgments against preventing double titling and land ownership errors.
HLURB's Primary Jurisdiction Over Real Estate Disputes Involving Unsound Practices
When does the HLURB have exclusive jurisdiction over real estate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies in Tri-Corp v. Greystone.
Standing to Sue: Can an Individual Challenge a Comelec Resolution Affecting an Organization
The Supreme Court clarifies who may challenge COMELEC rulings, emphasizing standing requirements under Rule 65 in election cases.
Limits of Search Warrants: Illegal Seizure of Unspecified Items During Drug Raids
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seizing items not specified in a search warrant during drug raids violates constitutional rights and may be inadmissible.
Avoiding Double Jeopardy Distinct Offenses Arising From A Single ACT
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case can suspend criminal proceedings, and why rescission of a contract does not defeat a BP 22 prosecution.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction but orders return of items seized beyond the search warrant, underscoring strict limits on police discretion.