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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Understanding Rape Convictions: The Power of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, clarifying key rules on force, resistance, and damages in Philippine rape cases.
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Victims
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on robbery with rape, clarifying penalties, damages, and how multiple rapes are treated under Philippine law.
Understanding Qualified Rape of a Minor: Insights from People v. Manlolo
A father's conviction for raping his 6-year-old daughter clarifies the rules on qualified rape, victim testimony, and damages in the Philippines.
Protecting Seafarers From Sexual Harassment and the Right to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of an OFW household worker who faced sexual harassment and maltreatment abroad.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder, the need for specific allegations in an Information, and proper damages awards.
Mortgage Validity and Damage Claims: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on mortgage validity despite notarization flaws and when damages are improperly awarded.
When an Acquittal Does Not Bar Damages: Article 33 Civil Actions in the Philippines
An acquittal based on reasonable doubt does not bar a separate civil action for damages under Article 33 of the Civil Code. Learn the rules.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: When Filing Criminal Charges Backfires
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing baseless criminal complaints constitutes malicious prosecution, and what damages may be awarded.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains treachery, alibi, eyewitness identification, and damages in murder cases. Learn the key principles.
Understanding the Legal Consequences of Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide in the Philippines
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling explains the elements, penalties, and damages for kidnapping for ransom with homicide under Philippine law.
Good Faith in Distributorship: Tocoms v. Philips on Abuse of Rights
When a distributor is dropped, can it sue for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies good faith and abuse of rights in Tocoms v. Philips.
Third-Party Claims and the Right to Litigate in Property Attachment Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court protects a third-party claimant's right to litigate in property attachment cases and when damages may be awarded.
When Bad Faith in a Franchise Sale Triggers Damages: Arcinue v. Baun
A franchise sold without the franchisor's approval can lead to damages liability. The Supreme Court explains the rules on bad faith, survival of actions, and interest.
Protecting Children From Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against an 11-year-old, clarifying penalties and damages.
Rape of Person With Mental Disability: Supreme Court Affirms Qualified Rape Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction where the offender knew the victim was mentally disabled, upholding enhanced penalties and damages.
Illegal Dismissal of Probationary Employee: When Performance Ratings Are a Subterfuge
Supreme Court affirms illegal dismissal ruling where probationary employee's poor rating was a sham, entitling him to backwages and damages.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Key Rulings from a 2019 Case
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness penalties, damages, and procedural requirements under Philippine law.
Breach and Balance: Equitable Relief in Construction Contract Disputes
When both parties breach a construction contract, courts may equitably mitigate damages. The Supreme Court explains how.
Impleading Indispensable Parties in Damages Claims: The PNCC v. Superlines Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must implead indispensable parties in damages claims, applying the law of the case doctrine.
Qualifying Circumstances in Rape: When Minority and Relationship Raise the Penalty
The Supreme Court explains when rape is qualified by minority and relationship, and the damages a convicted offender must pay.
Supreme Court Affirms Insurer's Subrogation Claim in Vehicular Accident Case
The Supreme Court affirms insurer's right to recover damages from negligent driver and vehicle owner in a quasi-delict case.
Libel and Damages: Balancing Free Speech and Reputation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's Guy v. Tulfo ruling clarifies when journalists may be liable for libel and how courts compute damages for reputational harm.
Understanding Contractual Breach and Damages: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how a Philippine Supreme Court case on notarial misconduct clarifies contractual obligations, breach, and damages in property transactions.
Burden of Proof in Property Disputes: Establishing Rights and Damages in Demolition Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that claimants in demolition cases must prove ownership and damages by preponderance of evidence.