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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Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Church Marriages: Tilar v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts have jurisdiction to declare church marriages void under the Family Code, rejecting the separation of Church and State argument.
Lease Perfection vs Performance: Hilltop Market Case on Conditions and Estoppel
When does a lease begin? The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between conditions for perfection and performance in Hilltop Market.
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction: How Complaint Allegations Determine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how complaint allegations, not defenses, determine jurisdiction in unlawful detainer and ejectment cases.
SC Upholds Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a victim's testimony do not undermine credibility when the account is coherent and believable.
Shareholder Rights Upholding Inspection Rights Despite Corporate Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders' inspection rights remain enforceable in RTC even when majority shares belong to sequestered corporations.
Civil Courts, Not Church Tribunals, Decide Marriage Nullity Cases in the Philippines
Philippine civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over marriage nullity cases. The Supreme Court clarifies this in Tilar v. Republic.
Separation of Church and State: Civil Courts Have Jurisdiction Over Marital Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil courts, not church tribunals, have jurisdiction over petitions for declaration of nullity of marriage.
Unconscious Victim and Rape Conviction: Article 266-A Explained
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions where the victim was unconscious, explaining Article 266-A and damages in People v. Carillo.
Lawyer Suspended for Bounced Checks and Unpaid Debts: A Lesson in Professional Integrity
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for failing to pay debts and issuing bouncing checks, reinforcing ethical standards for attorneys.
Judicial Clemency and Attorney Reinstatement: The Torres Case and the High Bar for True Reform
The Supreme Court denied Atty. Torres's petition for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reinstatement to the Philippine Bar.
Government Spending on Refresher Courses That Benefit Both Employees and the Agency
Supreme Court rules government agencies may fund refresher courses that prepare employees for eligibility exams when the agency also benefits.
Supreme Court Dismisses Baseless Complaint Against CA Justice and Lawyer
The Supreme Court dismissed unverified complaints against a Court of Appeals justice and a lawyer, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence in administrative cases.
Statutory Rape and Rape by Sexual Assault: Penalties and Damages Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties and damages for statutory rape and rape by sexual assault against minors under Philippine law.
Upholding Title Security: Collateral Attacks on Land Titles Face Strict Scrutiny
The Supreme Court reaffirms that Torrens titles, including those from emancipation patents, cannot be collaterally attacked, protecting landowners from indirect challenges.
Upholding Local Authority When Business Permits AND Public Welfare Collide
Supreme Court ruling on when local governments may validly withhold permits and shut down businesses for sanitation violations.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal and what employers must prove.
Breach of Notarial Duty: Upholding Integrity in Legal Practice
Explore how the Supreme Court reinforced accountability for public officers in lease and procurement irregularities.
When Can a Mayor Issue a Cease and Desist Order: Balancing Public Welfare and Business Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may issue cease and desist orders against businesses and the limits of injunctive relief.
Grave Misconduct for Teachers Who Leased School Property Without Authority
Supreme Court holds school officials liable for grave misconduct for unauthorized lease of school premises, affirming dismissal from service.
Optional Retirement: Employer Consent Is Key to Benefit Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on optional retirement and the crucial role of employer consent in entitlement to retirement benefits.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Consistent Testimony and Medical Evidence Matter
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how a victim's consistent testimony and medical findings prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Quitclaims in Philippine Labor Law: When a Waiver of Claims Is Valid and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid, how consideration is measured, and whether amounts received must be returned or offset.
Upholding Workers Rights Wage Increases AND Unfair Labor Practices IN Collective Bargaining
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a wage increase outside a CBA is demandable, and how employers' waiver schemes constitute unfair labor practice.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When Driving on the Wrong Lane Determines Liability in Collisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how traffic violations like wrong-lane driving establish negligence and liability in vehicle collisions.