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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Mental Capacity and Witness Testimony: Protecting Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Assault
How Philippine courts assess mental capacity of rape victims with disabilities, and why mental retardation alone does not disqualify a witness.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Banks vs Unregistered Land Sales in the Philippines
When does a bank lose protection as a mortgagee in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unregistered land sales.
When an Agent's Mortgage Signed in Own Name Does Not Bind the Principal
A mortgage signed by an agent in a personal capacity, without indicating agency, binds only the agent, not the principal.
Surety Bonds Survive Debt Extension: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Article 2079
Extension of a principal's debt without a surety's consent does not automatically extinguish surety bonds, per the Supreme Court.
Drug Buy-Bust Operations: When Non-Compliance With Evidence Rules Is Not Fatal
In People v. Salvador, the Supreme Court ruled that failure to inventory and photograph seized drugs does not automatically void an arrest if evidence integrity is preserved.
Expiration of Lease Contracts Resolving Possession Disputes
When a lease expires, so does the lessee's right to possession. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Pasig Printing v. Rockland.
When Silence Doesnt Mean Consent Protecting Minors IN Sexual Abuse Cases Under Philippine LAW
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal When Medical Negligence Results in Damages
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts award damages based on preponderance of evidence.
Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability
Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.
Breach of Contract vs Loan Obligations: Independent Liabilities in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a debtor's separate contract breach does not extinguish loan obligations to a creditor.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Victim's Mental Retardation: People v. Manicat
The Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction where the victim had mild mental retardation, ruling that mental disability does not automatically disqualify a witness.
Falsification of Public Documents and Preventive Suspension Under RA 3019
When does falsification of public documents justify preventive suspension under Section 13 of RA 3019? The Supreme Court explains.
Sheriffs Misconduct Upholding Integrity IN Public Office AND Private Dealings
A Supreme Court ruling on dishonesty in public office, the weight of substantial evidence, and why retirement does not end administrative liability.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Misuse of Government Resources and Retirement's Effect on Administrative Cases
Supreme Court rules retirement does not end administrative liability for dishonesty and misuse of government resources in Ombudsman v. Dechavez.
Cultivation vs Tenancy: Consent and Harvest Sharing in Agricultural Land Redemption
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere cultivation does not create tenancy; landowner consent and harvest sharing must be proven for redemption rights.
Marriage Validity: Intent vs Motive in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a marriage entered for immigration purposes is valid if consent is freely given; motive alone does not void it.
Prescription Period for Ordinance Violations: Filing the Complaint vs. the Information
When does prescription run for ordinance violations? The Supreme Court clarifies whether filing a complaint with the prosecutor interrupts the period.
Pay Under Protest Before Contesting Real Property Tax Assessments
A claim for tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment under the Local Government Code.
Tax Exemption vs Assessment: Understanding Payment Under Protest in Real Property Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that claiming tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment.
When Teaching Doesn't Cover All: Narrowing the Scope of Occupational Disease Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that being listed as an occupational disease does not automatically make an illness compensable under Philippine law.
Novation, Verification, and Real Party in Interest: Lessons from S.C. Megaworld v. Parada
Explaining when accepting third-party payments does not release the original debtor, and why procedural objections must be raised early.
Breach of Trust When Good Faith Fails in Public Office
A governor's conviction for violating RA 3019 shows that reliance on officials' assurances does not excuse sidestepping procurement rules.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force and Consent in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that voluntary presence in a motel does not equal consent to sex.
Malicious Damage Exclusion Does Not Cover Vehicle Theft by Employee
Theft by an insured's employee is covered by insurance unless the policy explicitly excludes "loss," not just Since the driver was in the insured's service, the insurer argued that the theft fell unde