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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Custody of Minors and Habeas Corpus: Understanding Court Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that family courts and the Court of Appeals share concurrent jurisdiction over habeas corpus petitions involving custody of minors.
Custody Habeas Corpus: Family Courts and the Court of Appeals Share Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that family courts do not have exclusive jurisdiction over habeas corpus petitions involving child custody disputes.
Concurrent Jurisdiction Safeguarding Minors Across Regions in Habeas Corpus Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that family courts share concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court in habeas corpus cases involving custody of minors.
Marital Violence Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Parricide Cases
A husband who stabbed his sleeping wife was convicted of parricide. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and clarified the rules on child testimony, treachery, and damages.
Jurisdictional Reach, Voluntary Submission, and the Limits of Summons in Unlawful Detainer Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine jurisdiction in possession cases, distinguishing unlawful detainer from accion publiciana and the limits of voluntary submission.
Rape by Sexual Assault: When Digital Penetration Constitutes Rape Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when inserting fingers into a victim's vagina constitutes rape by sexual assault, distinct from rape by sexual intercourse.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Validity of a Special Power of Attorney in Property Transfers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies jurisdiction in property disputes, the statute of frauds, and rights of first refusal in Philippine real estate law.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony Overcoming Inconsistencies in Rape Cases
How Philippine courts weigh a minor victim's credible testimony over minor inconsistencies, and the distinction between rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Perfecting Your Appeal Understanding Jurisdictional Requirements IN Philippine Courts
A look at how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements after a petition is denied, and what this means for litigants in the Philippines.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Testimony of a Child Witness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how a child victim's credible testimony can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Father's Betrayal: Upholding Justice in Statutory Rape Cases Despite Hymen Integrity
Supreme Court affirms father's statutory rape conviction despite intact hymen, clarifying that virginity is not an element of rape.
Union Elections: Due Process and Membership Rights in Internal Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on due process in union elections, BLR jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, and members' rights.
Exclusive Franchises and Constitutional Limits: Water District Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled Section 47 of PD 198 unconstitutional, striking down exclusive water district franchises as contrary to the Constitution.
Court Employee Dismissed for Grave Misconduct: Soliciting Fees Under a Lawyer's Name
A court interpreter's dismissal for soliciting P15,000 under a lawyer's name underscores the judiciary's strict integrity standards.
When a Judge Oversteps: Jurisdiction, Due Process, and the Case of Judge Rojas
A judge who issued a TRO against a co-equal agency's final ruling and ignored indispensable parties was suspended for gross ignorance of the law.
When Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Conviction: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove parricide and intent to kill in People v. Castillo.
Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
The Limits of Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Due Process in Administrative Proceedings
When can a court issue a TRO in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules on temporary restraining orders and judicial discretion.
Writ of Possession and Third-Party Rights: Protecting Possessory Interests in Foreclosure Sales
When can a foreclosure sale purchaser evict a third-party possessor? The Supreme Court explains limits on writs of possession.
Unlawful Detainer Cases: Jurisdiction, Demand Requirements, and the Perils of Procedural Lapses
Understand the Laraño v. Calendacion ruling on unlawful detainer jurisdiction, demand requirements, and why procedural compliance matters in ejectment cases.
Redefining Rape: Sexual Assault and Its Implications Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 redefined rape to include sexual assault by inserting fingers or objects into a victim's genital or anal orifice.
Unlawful Detainer Demand TO Vacate IS Jurisdictional
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Minor's Testimony and the Failure of Alibi Defense
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for statutory rape and sexual assault, underscoring the credibility of a minor victim's testimony over a weak alibi defense.
Breach of Promise or Employment Contract: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Damage Claims?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a damage claim for breach of employment promise belongs to regular courts, not the NLRC.