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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Usury Law Suspension, Freedom to Contract, and Unconscionable Interest Rates in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether courts can reduce interest rates agreed upon by parties after the Usury Law suspension.
Who Represents the Government on Appeal? The Solicitor General's Role vs. BIR Lawyers
The Supreme Court clarifies that while BIR lawyers can litigate tax cases, the Solicitor General must handle appeals to the High Court.
Rape and Consent: Examining Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for statutory rape of a six-year-old, clarifying that force is presumed when the victim is under twelve.
Shipowner Liability for Captain's Negligence in Time Charters: San Miguel v. Heirs of Inguito
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a shipowner—not the charterer—is liable for a captain's negligence at sea.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Defining the Element of Surprise Attack
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, focusing on the victim's inability to defend themselves.
Conspiracy and Self-Defense: Establishing Guilt in Multiple Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court rejected self-defense claims and found conspiracy in the brutal killing of a defenseless couple.
Interest Rate Agreements and Freedom of Contract: When Courts Uphold Agreed Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on freedom of contract in interest rate agreements, and when courts will uphold stipulated rates despite claims of excessiveness.
Waiver of Appeal: Probation Application Bars Subsequent Appeal Attempts
Filing for probation waives the right to appeal in Philippine criminal cases. The Supreme Court explains why in Vicoy v. People.
Valid Service of Summons: Due Process in Electoral Protests Before the HRET
When is substituted service of summons valid in election protests? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules in Sandoval v. HRET.
Safeguarding the Ballot: Unauthorized Polling Place Transfers and Election Integrity in the Philippines
When can moving a polling place invalidate an election? The Supreme Court explains the rules on unauthorized transfers and election integrity.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty in Child Rape Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on qualified rape of a minor, evidentiary standards, and the death penalty.
Safeguarding Suffrage: Due Process and Valid Service of Summons in Election Protests
A look at Sandoval v. HRET, where the Supreme Court nullified defective substituted service of summons, upholding due process in election contests.
Rape and Consent: The Indelible Requirement of Free Will in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape, consent, and unconscious victims. Learn the legal standards and practical takeaways.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: What Republic v. Ker Teaches About Property Valuation
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in eminent domain cases, emphasizing fair market value over tax declarations.
Relief From Judgment Confined to Trial Courts, Not Extended to Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies that relief from judgment under Rule 38 applies only to trial courts, not the Court of Appeals.
Eminent Domain Just Compensation Must Reflect Fair Market Value AT Time OF Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is valued at the time of taking, not at judgment.
Full Backwages for Illegally Dismissed Employees: Computation Until Finality of Judgment
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to full backwages until the finality of judgment, not just until dismissal.
Witness Protection for Police Testifying in Senate Inquiries: Acop v. Guingona
Can police officers join the Witness Protection Program when testifying in Senate inquiries? The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Due Process in Default and Garnishment Orders: Lessons from Mutilan v. Adiong
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling reminds judges and litigants that default and garnishment orders require notice and proof of service to satisfy due process.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Breach of Duty in Legal Representation
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief led to dismissal of an appeal and a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
The Vulnerable Witness: Upholding Justice for Child Victims in Rape Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on a child victim's credible testimony, medical evidence, and the accused's flight.
Loan or Partnership: Supreme Court on Novation and Acknowledgment Receipts
When does a loan become a partnership contribution? The Supreme Court clarifies novation, acknowledgment receipts, and payment application rules.
When Administrative Complaints Against Judges Cross the Line: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against two RTC judges, warning against using judicial audits to harass magistrates.
Court Employees' Private Misconduct: When Personal Dealings Undermine Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that honesty and integrity are required even in their personal and private dealings.