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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Robbery With Rape: How Intimidation Proves Lack of Consent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how intimidation, not physical force, suffices to prove lack of consent in robbery with rape cases.
Witness Credibility: Inaction During a Crime Does Not Mean False Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a witness's stunned inaction during a crime does not undermine credibility or testimony.
Breach of Express Warranty: Seller Liable for Unpaid Taxes Despite Transfer of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a vehicle seller's assurance that taxes were paid is an express warranty; breach makes seller liable for unpaid duties.
The Reach of Conspiracy: When Concerted Acts Establish Guilt in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy makes all participants equally liable for murder, explained in plain language.
Malicious Prosecution Claims Must Wait for Final Acquittal, High Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a malicious prosecution suit may be filed, requiring final termination of the criminal case first.
Contractor's Tax Assessments: Prescription Periods and Gross Receipts Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax assessment prescription periods, contractor's tax on security agency gross receipts, and protest deadlines under the NIRC.
Bad Faith Litigation: When Filing Suit Leads to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when filing an unfounded lawsuit constitutes bad faith, exposing litigants to moral and exemplary damages.
Bouncing Checks and Criminal Liability: Why Account Sufficiency Matters
Philippine Supreme Court explains when issuing a check against a closed account becomes a crime under BP 22, and why account sufficiency at issuance is key.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Property Deterioration Justifies Immediate Enforcement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on execution pending appeal, redemption rights, and when immediate enforcement is justified to prevent property deterioration.
Defining Managerial vs Supervisory Roles for Union Membership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between managerial and supervisory employees for union membership eligibility under the Labor Code.
Credibility of Rape Victims' Testimony: The Daughter-Father Exception in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on daughter's credible testimony against father, explaining why courts give greater weight to such accusations.
The Right to Litigate Must Be Exercised in Good Faith: Lessons from a Baseless Insurance Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when filing a baseless lawsuit can expose a party to damages for bad faith litigation.
Premature Filing Malicious Prosecution Requires Prior Acquittal
Filing a malicious prosecution case before the criminal action ends in acquittal is premature. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
When Reinstatement Isnt Required Philippine Supreme Court ON Separation PAY IN Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when separation pay substitutes for reinstatement in illegal dismissal cases, balancing worker protection with employer realities.
Acquisitive Prescription: When Possession Becomes Ownership Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when possession ripens into ownership through acquisitive prescription, and why tax declarations alone do not prove title.
Burden of Proof When Inconsistent Testimony and Physical Evidence Lead to Acquittal in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused where witness testimonies conflicted and physical evidence contradicted the prosecution's theory.
Default and Damages: Clarifying Rights in Chattel Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules, damages, and replevin in chattel mortgage disputes—key lessons for creditors and borrowers.
Vicarious Liability: Choosing Between Criminal and Civil Actions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employer can be held liable for employee negligence and the rule against double recovery.
Presumption of Guilt for Possession of Stolen Vehicle: The Duty to Explain
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how possessing a stolen vehicle creates a presumption of guilt and the accused's duty to explain.
Forcible Abduction vs Rape: Distinguishing Intent and Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Abalde clarifies statutory rape, force, intimidation, and evidence standards in sexual assault cases.
Heir Disputes: When Courts Can Order Partition Instead of Estate Administration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs may partition an estate without full administration proceedings, and when courts may convert petitions.
When Heirs Disagree: Judicial Partition Over Administration of an Estate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may convert estate administration proceedings into judicial partition among heirs.
Regular vs Project Employee: Continuous Rehiring and Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when project employees become regular employees through continuous rehiring, securing tenure under Article 280.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Victim Testimony and Prior Abuse Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, and prior sexual abuse as evidence.