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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Breach of Trust Dismissal for Malversation of Public Funds by a Court Clerk
Court clerk dismissed for misappropriating judiciary funds; silence deemed admission; dishonesty and malversation warrant dismissal.
Shareholder Rights vs PCGG Authority: Jurisdiction in Corporate Disputes Involving Government Assets
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction limits in corporate disputes involving sequestered assets and stockholder pre-emptive rights.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Based ON Credible Testimony Despite Defective Information
Intimidation Over Resistance Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injury
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that intimidation can overcome the need to prove physical resistance or injury in a sexual assault case.
Substantial Compliance Protecting Workers Rights Despite Procedural Technicalities
Judge Dismissed and Suspended from Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, imposing a three-year suspension from law practice.
Conflict of Interest Upholding Ethical Standards for Court Sheriffs
Explaining how the Supreme Court disciplines court sheriffs for conflict of interest and misconduct, setting ethical standards.
Intent to Kill, Conspiracy, and Premeditation in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill, conspiracy, and evident premeditation are proven in murder cases, using a 2004 Bacolod double-attack case.
VAT Exemption for Subic Bay Freeport Enterprises: Direct vs Indirect Tax Liabilities
Supreme Court clarifies that Subic Bay Freeport enterprises cannot claim VAT refunds on purchases since VAT is an indirect tax.
When Can a Local Government Close a Business? Due Process Limits on Municipal Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that municipalities may regulate businesses through closure only with due process, even when taxes are unpaid.
Perils of Independent Action: Why Government Agencies Must Heed Legal Counsel
A Supreme Court ruling reminds government agencies that the Solicitor General is their counsel of record, and that ignoring counsel can cost them their case entirely.
Discourtesy in Public Service: Court Employee Reprimanded for Sarcastic Remarks
Supreme Court reprimands court employee for discourtesy, reminding all public servants to remain courteous even when faced with rude behavior.
Reasonable Doubt When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short in Murder Cases
Explore how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence and treachery in murder convictions, using the Larry Cagas case as a guide.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries in a Homicide Case
A Supreme Court ruling in a 1995 stabbing case clarifies how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims and the qualifying circumstance of treachery.
Constructive Dismissal When Job Changes Lead to Illegal Termination
Learn how a demotion in rank and pay cut can amount to constructive dismissal, even when an employer claims abandonment.
Conspiracy and Superior Strength: When Group Attacks Become Murder Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court defined conspiracy and abuse of superior strength in a group killing, convicting an accused of murder on circumstantial evidence.
Mental Capacity and Consent in Rape Cases: Protecting Vulnerable Individuals
How Philippine courts treat consent when the victim has diminished mental capacity, based on People v. Mabonga.
Taxing Charity: Real Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Hospitals in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals qualify for real property tax exemptions under the Constitution and Local Government Code.
Probationary Period vs Regular Employment: What Happens When Probation Expires
When a probationary employee completes six months, regularization follows automatically. Mitsubishi Motors v. CPLU explains the rules.
Mootness Doctrine and Acquittal: When Court Rulings Lose Relevance
Explaining when court rulings become moot and academic, and how acquittal affects pending criminal cases in the Philippines.
Incestuous Rape: Credibility of a Victim's Testimony in Cases of Parental Abuse
When a mentally disabled minor is raped, her testimony can convict. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Mabonga.
When a Criminal Case Is Acquitted, the Bail Issue Becomes Moot: Lessons from Poblete v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court explains why an acquittal renders a pending bail dispute moot and academic, with practical lessons for litigants and counsel.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Flight in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence and flight can establish criminal liability, explained in plain language.
When Moral Ascendancy Substitutes for Force in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains how a father figure's moral ascendancy can substitute for force and intimidation in rape convictions.