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.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, rejecting the sweetheart defense and clarifying that love is not a license for non-consensual sex.
Compromise Agreements: How Courts Interpret "Action" and Uphold Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court ruled that selling receivables violated a compromise agreement's broadly to include the sale of the receivables.
Execution Pending Appeal: Clarifying the Timeline for Election Contests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue execution pending appeal in election contests, resolving a common procedural misunderstanding.
Intrafamilial Trust Betrayed Convicting A Father FOR Qualified Rape Despite Familial Proximity
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for qualified rape of his minor daughter, ruling that familial proximity and the presence of sleeping relatives do not negate the crime.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice Requirement and the Perils of Wrong Appeal Remedy
Supreme Court clarifies tenant redemption rights require written notice, and errors in appeal mode are fatal to agrarian cases.
Residency Requirement Upholding the Electorate's Will in Congressional Elections
Supreme Court ruling on congressional residency requirements, emphasizing that the electorate's choice prevails when evidence of non-residence is weak or inconclusive.
Marital Rape: Spousal Consent Is Not a Defense to Rape in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that marriage is no defense to rape, convicting a stepfather of two counts of rape against his minor stepdaughter.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice Is Key in Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on tenant redemption rights under RA 3844 and the importance of written notice in agrarian reform cases.
When Is a Consignee Liable for Freight? The MOF v. Shin Yang Rule
A consignee named in a bill of lading is not automatically liable for freight charges. The Supreme Court explains when liability attaches.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: PEZA Cancellation of Ecozone Registration Upheld
Supreme Court rules on due process and substantial evidence in administrative proceedings involving PEZA cancellation of ecozone enterprise registration.
Torrens Title vs Deed of Sale: Who Wins a Possession Dispute in the Philippines?
In a Philippine ejectment case, a Torrens title beats an unregistered deed of sale. Learn the rule from Spouses Barias v. Heirs of Boneo.
Good Faith vs Torrens Title Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title or a deed of sale prevails in land possession disputes.
When Is a Statement an Admission? Lessons from a Prawn Feed Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written statement counts as an admission and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Due Process and Unexplained Wealth in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may preventively suspend public officials and what due process requires in unexplained wealth cases.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and the Finality of COA Decisions
Court personnel who certify documents without verifying records face dismissal for gross neglect of duty, as this ruling shows.
Protecting Public Funds Supreme Court Invalidates Compromise Agreement Involving Government Assets
Supreme Court voids PNCC-Radstock compromise that would have transferred P6.185 billion in public assets to a private foreign firm.
Disbarment for Misconduct: Upholding Candor and Justice in Legal Practice
A lawyer's disbarment for abuse of court processes, forum shopping, and falsehoods—a reminder that zeal must yield to truth and justice.
Presidential Warranties vs. State Sovereignty: The PICOP Timber License Case
The Supreme Court ruled presidential warranties on timber licenses are not contracts, and state sovereignty over natural resources prevails.
Just Compensation Land Valuation Under Agrarian Reform Requires Independent Judicial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, not merely adopt DARAB valuations.
Foreclosure Notice Requirements: BPI v. Puzon on Posting, Publication, and Presumption of Regularity
Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure, upholding sale where publication was made and presumption of regularity applied.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus applies to child custody disputes and why courts must hold a trial, not just produce the child.
Custody Rights and the Child's Welfare: Reassessing Habeas Corpus in Family Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases aims to determine rightful custody, not just produce the child.
Parol Evidence Rule and Commitment Fees: Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank
When a written contract is clear, courts will not look beyond its four corners. The parol evidence rule explained.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, ruling that credible eyewitness identification outweighs the inherently weak defense of alibi.