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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Incestuous Rape: When a Father's Betrayal Warrants the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his 12-year-old daughter, underscoring the gravity of incestuous rape under Philippine law.
Checks AND Balances Caloocan Citys Budget Realignment Amidst Executive Scrutiny
Official Duty vs Personal Liability: Defining Immunity in Defamation Cases
Can a diplomat or international organization worker claim immunity for defamation? The Supreme Court clarifies when official duty ends and personal liability begins.
Eminent Domain: Necessity, Procedure, and the Writ of Possession in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the government may expropriate private land, the necessity requirement, and the rule on writs of possession.
Exit Polls and Free Expression: The ABS-CBN v. Comelec Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that Comelec cannot totally ban exit polls, as they are protected by freedom of speech and of the press.
Judicial Employees and Immorality: Ethics Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses two court employees for illicit affair, reaffirming high moral standards for judiciary personnel.
Forgery in Land Sales: Upholding Final Judgments Against Claims of Extrinsic Fraud
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a buyer who admitted a deed of sale was forged cannot later overturn the final judgment by claiming extrinsic fraud.
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Diplomatic Immunity vs Defamation: The Liang Case and Limits of Official Acts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ADB staff immunity, defamation, and why diplomatic immunity is not absolute for criminal acts.
Caloocan City Budget Battle Defining Misconduct AND Local Government Authority
Life Insurance Contracts: When Does an Application Become a Binding Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a life insurance application becomes a binding contract, using Perez v. BF Lifeman as guide.
Rape Conviction Examining THE USE OF A Deadly Weapon AND Aggravating Circumstances IN Philippine LAW
Prior Title Prevails: Resolving Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines
When two Torrens titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. Learn the rules from the Supreme Court's ruling in Liao.
Torrens System vs Fraudulent Land Titles: Priority of Registration Determines Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court rules that earlier registered titles prevail over later ones, even if both cover the same land. Learn the key principles.
Redundancy vs Due Process: When a Layoff Isn't Always Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to give 30-day notice doesn't make a valid redundancy layoff illegal—but backwages may still be owed.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Intent and Deprivation of Liberty Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what proves intent and deprivation of liberty in kidnapping-for-ransom cases involving minors.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Proclamation Disputes: The Importance of Notice and Hearing
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in election contests, emphasizing notice and hearing before proclamation.
Hold Departure Orders: Why Only Regional Trial Courts May Issue Them
A Supreme Court ruling reprimanding a judge clarifies that only Regional Trial Courts may issue hold departure orders in criminal cases.
Judicial Overreach Limits on Municipal Courts Issuing Hold Departure Orders
The Supreme Court reprimands a municipal trial court judge for issuing a hold departure order beyond his court's authority, clarifying limits under Circular 39-97.
Rape Conviction Upheld Even Partial Penetration Constitutes Rape Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that partial penetration—touching the labia—is enough to consummate rape.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Corporation Be Held Accountable for Its Affiliates' Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may disregard the separate legal personality of corporations and hold them liable for affiliates' actions.
Tourist Duty Free Shops v. Sandiganbayan: Limits of PCGG Sequestration and Litis Pendentia
The Supreme Court clarifies when litis pendentia applies and the limits of PCGG sequestration powers over corporations.
Unregistered Stock Transfers: Creditors' Rights vs. Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered stock transfers and their effect on creditors' rights to levy shares.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Disputes: The Limits of COMELEC's Power
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the boundaries of COMELEC's authority in election contests, ensuring due process.