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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SEC Jurisdiction Over Stock and Transfer Book Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that the SEC, not the regular courts, has jurisdiction to recall and cancel a stock and transfer book it erroneously registered.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Can Stand Alone for Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible, straightforward testimony is sufficient for conviction, even without corroborating evidence.
SEC Authority Validating Stock and Transfer Books Over Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the SEC has regulatory jurisdiction to validate and cancel stock and transfer books.
Reconstitution of Lost Torrens Titles: Strict Evidentiary Requirements Under RA 26
The Supreme Court in Republic v. Lagramada reminds courts and litigants that reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles demands strict, official proof of ownership.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Labor Disputes Involving Government Chartered Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that labor disputes in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters fall under the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Psychological Abuse via Facebook: Higher Penalty When ICT Is Used
The Supreme Court explains when a public Facebook post amounts to psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Falsification by Public Officials Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over falsification cases and how public officials may be convicted under the RPC.
Public Office and Falsification: Understanding Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction
Explaining when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over falsification cases involving public officials, based on Pactolin v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 161455).
Protecting State Assets: Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over PCGG Sequestration of Ill-Gotten Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Sandiganbayan, not the SEC, has jurisdiction over cases involving sequestered ill-gotten wealth.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: When Proof of Loss Is Enough Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when lost or destroyed land titles can be reconstituted, balancing strict legal requirements with practical realities of fire and calamity.
Water Districts Are Government-Owned: Anti-Graft Law Applies to Their Officers
Supreme Court rules local water districts are government-owned corporations, so their managers face Anti-Graft Law prosecution for corrupt practices.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Sweetheart Defense Rejected, Intimidation Sufficient for Guilt
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, rejects sweetheart defense, and clarifies that intimidation and moral influence can substitute for physical resistance.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Positive Identification in Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court affirms that a victim's clear, positive identification outweighs an accused's denial and alibi in robbery with homicide.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Minor Inconsistencies
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's credible testimony suffices even with minor inconsistencies and delayed reporting.
Supreme Court Affirms Conviction for Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262
The Supreme Court upheld a conviction for psychological abuse committed through a public Facebook post, clarifying how social media authorship is proven and how ICT use raises penalties.
When a Sheriff's Excuses Fail: Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts
A deputy sheriff's repeated failure to serve court processes leads to one-year suspension, clarifying standards of diligence for court personnel.
Upholding Diligence in Public Service: Consequences for Neglect of Duty by a Deputy Sheriff
A Supreme Court decision suspends a deputy sheriff for repeated failures to serve court processes, underscoring the strict diligence required of all court personnel.
When Court Employees Fail Their Duty: The Madolaria Administrative Case
A deputy sheriff's repeated failures to serve court processes led to a one-year suspension, reinforcing the strict standards for judicial employees.
Psychological Incapacity in Annulment: Mere Difficulty vs Grave Dysfunction
The Supreme Court clarifies that ordinary marital conflict and immaturity do not amount to psychological incapacity for annulment under Philippine law.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Corporation's Separate Identity May Be Disregarded
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict test for piercing the corporate veil and why mere stock ownership is not enough.
Defective Summons and Corporate Rehabilitation: Voluntary Submission to Court Jurisdiction
When defective service of summons can be cured by a party's own actions, and how corporate rehabilitation stay orders affect collection suits.
Marijuana Transportation AND Knowledge Upholding Convictions Under THE Dangerous Drugs ACT
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Personal Jurisdiction Over Sole Proprietorships in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sole proprietorships lack juridical personality, requiring suits against the owner personally for proper jurisdiction.
Ethical Standards for Judges and Lawyers: Dismissal and Suspension for Gross Immorality
Supreme Court dismisses judge and suspends him from law practice for extramarital affair, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the judiciary and bar.