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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Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction of Neighbor of Child Victim
The Court affirms two rape convictions against a neighbor of a six-year-old, clarifying penalties and damages in child rape cases.
When a Lawyer Crosses the Line: The Ban on Acquiring Client Property in Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling explains why lawyers cannot acquire property involved in litigation they handle, even under a contingent fee arrangement.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: Standards and Penalties for Court Employees
Explaining the Supreme Court's standards on habitual tardiness for judiciary employees, the penalties imposed, and practical compliance tips.
Attorney Suspended for Acquiring Client's Property During Estate Proceedings
Lawyer suspended six months for acquiring property from client during pending estate proceedings, violating Article 1491 of the Civil Code.
Authorized Driver Clause and Police Blotters in Insurance Claims
When can an insurer deny a claim based on the authorized driver clause? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary weight of police blotters.
Protecting the Child Victim's Testimony in Rape Cases and the Standard of Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Back Wages and Security of Tenure: Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal in the Philippine Civil Service
Learn when illegally dismissed government employees can claim back wages, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure.
Equitable Mortgages Have No Redemption Right in Judicial Foreclosure for Private Mortgagees
In a judicial foreclosure of an equitable mortgage by a private lender, the mortgagor has no right of redemption after confirmation of sale.
Judge Fined FOR Ignoring DUE Process IN Granting Bail FOR Murder Suspect
Oral Extrajudicial Confession Alone Cannot Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court acquits accused in robbery with homicide case, ruling an uncorroborated oral extrajudicial confession is insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Uncorroborated Confession and Doubts in Murder Cases: When Courts Order Acquittal
Learn when Philippine courts order acquittal in murder cases despite confessions, and why corroboration and reasonable doubt matter.
Possession vs Ownership: How Courts Decide Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when possession, not ownership, decides land disputes—and why evidence quality matters more than quantity.
Breach OF Trust THE Limits OF Dismissal FOR Dishonesty IN Long Term Employment
Challenging NTC Rules: Courts, Not Just Agencies, Can Hear Validity Cases
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts have jurisdiction to review NTC regulations issued under quasi-legislative power, without exhausting administrative remedies.
Treachery vs. Evident Premeditation: Distinguishing Murder and Rape in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from evident premeditation in murder, and why charging documents matter in rape cases.
Public vs Private Funds: Defining AFP-RSBS and the Reach of Anti-Graft Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies when military pension funds are public funds, affecting Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over graft cases.
Judicial Neglect Dismissal FOR Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
Equity Powers Ensuring Fairness in Contract Rescission Despite Procedural Gaps
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts may order deposit of funds during rescission cases to prevent unjust enrichment.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Disciplinary Action FOR Neglect OF Duty AND Deceit
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for neglect of duty and deceit, emphasizing ethical standards and client protection.
Meralco's Tax Dispute: Defining Assessment and Collection in Real Property Tax Law
A landmark ruling clarifies the distinction between assessment and collection in real property tax, shaping how local governments enforce tax liabilities.
When a Search Warrant Fails: Probable Cause in Illegal Firearm Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a search warrant for illegal firearms was void—no probable cause on lack of license—and seized items inadmissible.
Tax Exemption for Educational Institutions: The Actual, Direct, and Exclusive Use Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that tax exemption for educational institutions requires actual, direct, and exclusive use of property, and that disputes must first go through administrative remedi
Bouncing Checks and the Limits of Criminal Liability Under BP 22
The Supreme Court clarifies when payment before notice of dishonor acquits a drawer, and the fine limits under BP 22.
Personal Surety Liability vs Corporate Rights: When Banks Lose Their Claim
A bank's unauthorized extension of credit deadlines releases personal sureties from liability, even when they signed a continuing guaranty.