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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Age Verification in Rape Cases: Protecting Children and Ensuring Fair Trials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on age verification in rape cases, balancing child protection with the accused's right to a fair trial.
Debt Recovery Without Specific Claim: Equity and Unjust Enrichment in Arroyo v. Taduran
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering debt even without a specific prayer in the complaint, citing equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process Before Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers must prove both just cause and procedural due process to avoid liability for illegal dismissal.
Surety's Liability for Interest Beyond Bond Limit on Delayed Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a surety can be held liable for interest exceeding the bond's face value when payment is delayed.
Surety Bonds and Legal Interest: When Default Makes a Surety Pay More Than the Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a defaulting surety must pay 12% legal interest on top of the bond amount.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Treachery Must Be Proven Clearly to Elevate Homicide to Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that treachery must be proven as clearly as the killing itself; otherwise, the crime is homicide, not murder.
Conjugal Property Rights Clarifying Ownership AND Sale Validity IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conjugal property shares, sale validity, and co-ownership rights in a landmark Quezon City land dispute.
Imperfect Self-Defense and the Line Between Homicide and Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on treachery, evident premeditation, and when killing is murder rather than homicide.
Reconveyance Actions and Prescription: Heirs of Pomposa Saludares v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reconveyance actions prescribe and why registered owners can keep indefeasible titles after 10 years.
Strict Compliance With Bill of Lading Clauses Upholding Carrier Protection in Cargo Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with bill of lading notice requirements in cargo damage claims against carriers.
Accidental Injury vs Intent: Reassessing Guilt in Assault Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when accidental injury in a struggle negates intent to kill, reducing criminal liability.
Tenant Redemption Rights and Land Bank Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a Land Bank certification suffices for tenant redemption under R.A. 3844, and when it fails.
Voluntary Confession Mitigates Parricide: Reclusion Perpetua Instead of Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary confession of guilt mitigates parricide, reducing the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for piercing the corporate veil and holding a parent liable for subsidiary obligations.
Illegitimate Children's Rights: Citizenship and Surname Use Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegitimate children of Filipino mothers are Filipino citizens at birth and may continue using their father's surname.
Unregistered Donations vs Third-Party Leases: What Buyers and Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered donations, third-party leases, and the duty to verify property ownership before contracting.
Loan Agreement Validity: Actual Receipt of Proceeds as a Prerequisite
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: executing a promissory note is not enough—actual receipt of loan proceeds is essential for liability.
When Words Can Be Used Against You: Verbal Admissions and Falsification of Leave Forms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on verbal admissions, falsification of public documents, and the proper remedy for Ombudsman dismissals.
Heirs May Sue to Protect Estate Before Administrator Appointment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs can file suit to protect estate property before an administrator is appointed.
Administrative Case Penalties: When Good Faith and Long Service Can Reduce a Judge's Fine
Philippine Supreme Court explains mitigating circumstances in administrative cases against judges, reducing fines based on service record.
Mistake of Law vs Mistake of Fact: Grounds for Relief from Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only mistakes of fact, not errors of law, justify relief from judgment under Rule 38.
Employer Liability: Proving Due Diligence in Employee Negligence Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability under Article 2180 and the burden of proving due diligence in employee negligence cases.
Novation in Philippine Law: Can a Restructuring Agreement Extinguish Promissory Note Obligations?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a restructuring agreement novates promissory notes, and when it merely modifies payment terms without extinguishing the debt.