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 Upheld: Child Witness Credibility and the Hymenal Laceration Myth
The Supreme Court affirms a grandfather's qualified rape conviction, holding that an intact hymen does not negate rape and that a child's credible testimony suffices.
Termination Due to Illness in the Philippines: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate employees due to disease, and the procedural due process required under Philippine labor law.
Writ of Possession and Third-Party Rights in Extrajudicial Foreclosure Sales
When can a writ of possession be issued despite a third party's possession of foreclosed property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Strict Compliance: The Mandatory Nature of VAT Refund Periods Under the NIRC
The Supreme Court rules that the 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims are mandatory and jurisdictional, dismissing a belated judicial claim.
Reinstatement vs Return to Work: Clarifying Employment Rights After a Transfer
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that reinstatement only applies to illegal dismissal, while a valid transfer requires a return to work order.
When Illegal Strike Actions Override Reinstatement Orders: Supervening Events in Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final reinstatement order may yield to supervening events, including findings of illegal strike acts.
Warrantless Arrest and Admissibility of Evidence: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless arrest is lawful and how evidence seized incident to that arrest remains admissible in drug cases.
Bidding Rules and Government's Right to Reject: Protecting Public Interest in Privatization
Supreme Court affirms government's right to reject bids in privatization auctions, protecting public interest over bidder expectations.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery, qualifying killings as murder under Philippine law.
Spousal Support and Retirement Benefits: Protection Orders Under R.A. 9262
The Supreme Court rules that R.A. 9262 protection orders can compel the AFP to withhold retirement benefits for spousal support.
Contractual Breach Understanding Rescission Rights IN Mining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a mining operating agreement may be validly rescinded for breach under Article 1191 of the Civil Code.
Counterclaims Survive Independent Adjudication After Complaint Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissing a complaint does not automatically kill the defendant's counterclaim, which may proceed independently.
Sheriffs Must Disclose Conflicts of Interest and File Timely Returns on Writs of Execution
The Supreme Court ruled that sheriffs must disclose family ties to parties and file periodic reports on writs of execution, or face administrative liability.
The Certification Against Forum Shopping: When a Lawyer's False Oath Leads to Suspension
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's false certifications against forum shopping and notarial malpractice, and the penalties imposed.
When Tolerated Use Ends: Establishing Ownership Rights Over School Property
Supreme Court ruling on tolerated possession, laches, and ownership rights when government uses private land for schools.
Defense of Insanity Requires Clear and Convincing Evidence in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict evidentiary standard for the insanity defense, requiring proof of complete deprivation of intelligence at the time of the crime.
Lost Notice Lasting Consequences Attorneys Neglect AND THE Unauthorized Practice OF LAW
A lawyer's "I didn't receive the notice" excuse fails when neglect costs a client due process. Learn the ethical duties at stake.
Local Government Representation Legal Officers Exclusive Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that local government units must be represented by their legal officers, not the OSG, in court cases.
Circumstantial Evidence and Hearsay Rule: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, hearsay objections, and the credibility of a minor victim's testimony in rape convictions.
Exclusive Ownership vs Successional Rights: Clarifying Property Claims in Inheritance Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when heirs acquire rights to property and how titles describe ownership in inheritance disputes.
Upholding Union Registration: No Fraud Without Vitiated Consent
Supreme Court clarifies that minor errors in union registration do not justify cancellation absent fraud vitiating member consent.
Seafarers' Rights: Implied Contract Extension and Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied contract extension for seafarers and entitlement to permanent total disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Electronic Fund Transfers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Navigating Tax Laws in the Digital Age
The Supreme Court ruled that electronic fund transfer instructions are not bills of exchange subject to documentary stamp tax under Section 181.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Alleged Testimonial Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not undermine credibility or the prosecution's case.