Legal Insights

Rape Delay in Reporting Due to Fear and Intimidation Does Not Affect Victim's Credibility

Philippine Supreme Court rules that a rape victim's delay in reporting due to fear of the offender does not diminish her credibility or indicate a false accusation.

Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: When a Separation Package Waives Claims

Philippine Supreme Court rules on when accepting a separation package during reorganization bars a later illegal dismissal claim.

Rape and Intimidation: How Fear Can Establish Force Without Physical Injury

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in rape cases, intimidation can substitute for physical force—a knife threat suffices even without injuries.

VAT Refund Claims Strict Deadlines Apply Even If Payment IS Belated

Philippine Supreme Court rules VAT refund claims must be filed within two years from the taxable quarter's close, not from payment date.

Conditional Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is actually a contract to sell, and why full payment matters for ownership transfer.

Contractual Obligations: Signing an Agreement Means Being Bound by Its Terms

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why signing a contract binds parties even when they claim misunderstanding or lack of consideration.

Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Why Missing the Deadline Is Fatal

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an employer's failure to post an appeal bond within 10 days makes a Labor Arbiter's decision final and executory.

Employee Dismissal: When Courts Can Look Beyond the Termination Notice

Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether courts may consider grounds beyond those stated in an employee's termination notice in illegal dismissal cases.

Authority TO Sell Written Power IS KEY To Valid Real Estate Transactions

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Estate of Lino Olaguer clarifies when a written power of attorney is required for valid real estate sales.

Simulated Business Closure Employer Liability FOR Illegal Dismissal

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a simulated business closure constitutes illegal dismissal and employer liability.

Contempt of Court: Due Process and Just Penalties in Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the proper procedure and penalties for indirect contempt, emphasizing due process rights.

Ejectment Actions Co Owners Rights AND Barangay Conciliation Compliance IN Lease Disputes

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment, co-owner rights to sue, and barangay conciliation requirements in lease disputes.

When a Father's Betrayal Meets the Eyes of Justice: Re-evaluating Guilt in Incestuous Rape Cases

A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how incestuous rape is proven, why a victim's testimony carries weight, and what penalties and damages the law imposes.

Election Gun Ban vs Illegal Firearm Possession: Avoiding Double Conviction

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person can be convicted of illegal firearm possession during an election gun ban period.

Deadline Compliance Is Key: Loss of Mining Rights Due to FTAA Application Lapses

Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to meet FTAA relinquishment deadlines under DMO 97-07 results in automatic cancellation of mining applications.

Closure vs. Retrenchment: Proving Losses in Philippine Labor Disputes

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a business closure is treated as retrenchment, requiring proof of substantial losses.

Divorce by Faskh: New Grounds After a Prior Dismissal Is Not Barred by Res Judicata

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dismissed divorce by faskh petition does not bar a new one due to new grounds.

Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.

Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder: People v. Goleas

Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction despite witness inconsistencies and defense alibi, explaining treachery and witness credibility rules.

Certiorari Not the Remedy to Appeal Disqualification Rulings After Final Judgment

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot replace appeal in challenging a judge's denial of a motion for inhibition after final judgment.

Balancing Efficiency and Due Process: Admissibility of Additional Evidence After Pre-Trial

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow additional evidence after pre-trial without violating due process.

Tenant or Laborer: Resolving Land Disputes and Compensation Rights in Agrarian Reform

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when farm workers are tenants, not laborers, and how compensation agreements affect agrarian reform disputes.

Prior Possession Prevails: Resolving Forcible Entry Disputes in Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—determines who stays on the property.

Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet and Tenancy Rights in Philippine Land Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a tenant's right of redemption requires proof of a valid tenancy relationship with the true landowner.