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.
When Tax Assessments Are Not Required: Civil Liability in Philippine Tax Evasion Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a formal BIR tax assessment is not required to hold taxpayers civilly liable in criminal tax evasion cases.
Qualified Rape and Moral Ascendancy: When Trust Becomes a Weapon
How moral ascendancy can substitute for force in rape cases, and why abusing a position of trust over a minor leads to qualified rape.
Speedy Disposition Rights: How Delay Can Dismiss Your Illegal Recruitment Case
Learn how inordinate delay in resolving illegal recruitment cases can violate constitutional rights and lead to dismissal.
Rape and Mental Capacity: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling on Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rape liability involving mental retardation, distinguishing statutory rape from rape of a person deprived of reason.
Lascivious Conduct vs Rape: When Penis Placement on the Vagina Falls Under R.A. 7610
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Talisay v. People on when placing the penis outside the vagina constitutes lascivious conduct, not rape.
Acquittal Due to Lack of Proof: Examining the Elements of Estafa and Theft in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts distinguish estafa from theft, and why the prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Child Abuse vs Slight Physical Injuries: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a teacher's discipline of a child is child abuse or only slight physical injuries under Philippine law.
Conflict of Interest: When Can a Government Lawyer Represent a Public Official in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government lawyer's representation of a public official becomes a conflict of interest and unauthorized practice of law.
When Can a Provincial Legal Officer Represent a Governor? A Disbarment Case Guide
The Supreme Court reprimands a provincial legal officer for unauthorized practice of law in representing a governor before the Ombudsman.
Procurement Rules Family Ties Dont Always Taint THE Deal
Supreme Court clarifies that disclosure-of-relations rules under procurement law apply only to competitive bidding, not to Shopping.
Equitable Mortgage Prevails When A Deed Of Sale Masks A Loan Agreement
When a deed of sale actually secures a loan, Philippine law treats it as an equitable mortgage. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Protecting Children: Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault Convictions Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when an accused can be convicted of both statutory rape and sexual assault arising from a single incident against a child.
Bribery in Public Service: Demanding Money for Expedited Titling Constitutes Direct Bribery
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a public officer's demand for money to expedite a transaction constitutes direct bribery under Philippine law.
Renewable Energy Incentives Registration IS KEY TO VAT Zero Rating
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that renewable energy producers must register with the DOE to enjoy VAT zero-rating on power sales.
Prejudicial Question in the Philippines: Suspension, Not Dismissal, of Criminal Cases
A prejudicial question suspends, not dismisses, a criminal case. Learn the rule from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Child Abuse Law: Grave Threats and Psychological Harm to Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies when threats against a child constitute child abuse under RA 7610, not just grave threats.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Magno Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when touching a minor's private parts is lascivious conduct under RA 7610, citing the Magno case.
Protecting Children from Physical Abuse: The Scope of RA 7610 and the Need to Prove Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies when physical abuse of children falls under RA 7610 and why qualifying circumstances in rape must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Inordinate Delay in Preliminary Investigation Warrants Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, warranting dismissal.
Foreign Adoption Recognition in the Philippines: What the Yuta Hayashi Case Means
Philippine courts can recognize foreign adoption decrees involving Filipino citizens if proven as fact and not contrary to public policy.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Trocio Case on Child Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct under RA 7610, holding a doctor liable for abusing a minor patient.
Divorce Abroad: Filipino Spouse Can Remarry Even After Joint Divorce with Foreigner
Supreme Court clarifies that a Filipino spouse may remarry after a foreign divorce, even if the divorce was obtained jointly with the foreign spouse.
Accreditation of Political Parties: COMELEC's Authority and the Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's discretion in accrediting dominant minority parties, affirming that courts will not interfere absent grave abuse of discretion.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Employee Wage Claims
When a contractor fails to pay wages, the principal employer can be held solidarily liable. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.