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: How Familial Rape Impacts Justice in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, rejecting sweetheart defense and clarifying force requirement.
Incestuous Rape: Upholding Parental Moral Ascendancy and Protecting Minor Victims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a father figure, clarifying force, minority as aggravating circumstance, and damages.
Amparo Writ Scope: Extralegal Killings and Enforced Disappearances Only
Supreme Court clarifies the writ of amparo covers only extralegal killings and enforced disappearances, not ordinary threats from private individuals.
B P 22 and Estate Liability Ensuring Debtors Obligations Extend Beyond Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 and estate liability, clarifying that a debtor's obligation survives death and may be enforced against the estate.
Constructive Dismissal Claims: When Resignation Is Voluntary and Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary rather than constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Leaving a Job Is Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
When Force in Rape by Sexual Assault Is Proven: Carrera v. People
The Supreme Court affirms a rape by sexual assault conviction, clarifying how force and lack of voluntariness are established.
Reasonable Suspicion AND Warrantless Searches Balancing Rights AND LAW Enforcement IN Drug Cases
Surety Bond Liability and Due Process in Wrongful Attachment Cases
Learn when surety bonds can be enforced after wrongful attachment, and the due process rules that protect sureties in Philippine courts.
Writ of Amparo Not a Shield for Deportation: Mison v. Gallegos
The Supreme Court clarifies that the writ of amparo covers only extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, not ordinary immigration detention.
Barangay Settlement Enforcement: MCTC Jurisdiction and the 10-Day Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified enforcement of barangay amicable settlements, including MCTC jurisdiction and the binding 10-day repudiation period.
Enforceability of Compromise Agreements: A Pathway to Resolving Legal Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in insurance dispute, showing how amicable settlements end litigation and become binding judgments.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack OF Physical Injuries THE Importance OF Credible Testimony AND USE OF Force
Enforceability of Incentive Bonuses When Promises Become Obligations
When do employer promises become enforceable obligations? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over training reimbursement claims and unpaid salary disputes.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Moral Ascendancy, and Damages in Sibling Abuse Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of brother who assaulted his 14-year-old sister, clarifying force requirements and increasing damages to P300,000.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Procedural Integrity AND Avoiding Abuse OF Authority
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on chain of custody in drug cases and why procedural integrity matters for sheriffs and law enforcement.
Child's Testimony in Statutory Rape and Qualified Rape: Lessons from People v. Delfin
When the prosecution cannot prove a child's age, statutory rape fails — but force and intimidation may still support a simple rape conviction.
Sheriffs' Duty to Enforce Writs Promptly: A Lesson in Administrative Liability
When a sheriff repeatedly fails to implement a writ of execution, the Court steps in. Learn the rules on sheriffs' duties and penalties for neglect.
Finality of Judgment and Contempt: Lessons from the Bihag v. Era Disbarment Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a disbarred lawyer may be cited for indirect contempt and how final judgments are enforced.
Sheriff's Overreach in Writ Enforcement: A Lesson from Quicho v. Reyes
When a sheriff oversteps in enforcing a writ, courts will hold him accountable. Learn the limits of execution authority.
Finality of Judgment vs. Post-Decision Motions: Lessons from a Disbarred Lawyer’s Contempt
A disbarred lawyer’s belated motion fails; Court enforces final judgment, cites indirect contempt for defiance.
When a Bank's Failure to Release Full Loan Invalidates a Mortgage: PNB v. Tajonera
A bank that fails to release the full approved loan breaches its reciprocal obligation, making the mortgage securing that loan unenforceable.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of a Minor Victim's Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on a minor's credible testimony, rejecting the sweetheart defense and clarifying force and intimidation requirements.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.