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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Enforcing Debt Obligations: Promissory Notes and Checks as Evidence in Sales Transactions
Supreme Court rules promissory notes and dishonored checks can prove a sale and enforce payment, reversing the Court of Appeals.
When Fraud or Force Negates Consent in Rape: People v. Disipulo
The Supreme Court clarifies that consent obtained through fraud or overcome by force is not valid consent in rape cases.
Rehabilitation Plans and Creditor Rights: When Debt Restructuring Binds Secured Creditors
When can a rehabilitation plan force creditors to accept debt restructuring? The Supreme Court explains in China Banking v. St. Francis Square.
Clean Water Act Enforcement: Sewerage Deadlines and the Limits of Good Faith
The Supreme Court clarifies that water concessionaires must meet the Clean Water Act's five-year sewerage deadline, tempering fines despite good faith.
GSIS Board Jurisdiction Limited in Housing Loan Disputes: Key Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies GSIS Board of Trustees lacks exclusive jurisdiction over housing loan disputes involving contract enforcement and damages.
Ascendancy and Abuse: Examining Parental Authority in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining how parental authority can substitute for force and intimidation.
Moral Ascendancy in Incestuous Rape: No Need to Prove Force or Intimidation
In incestuous rape, a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation, so direct proof of violence is unnecessary.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Key Lessons from ABS-CBN v. Magno
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in constructive dismissal claims and the fine line between forced and voluntary resignation.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Enforcement IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies medical malpractice prescription and strict procedural deadlines for certiorari petitions under Rule 45.
Enforced Disappearance Proving Government Involvement IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for enforced disappearance, requiring proof of government involvement in the deprivation of liberty.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employer Actions Force a Resignation
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's resignation becomes constructive dismissal and why this claim failed.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim Testimony and Force in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a police officer, ruling on victim credibility, force and intimidation, and alibi defenses.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.
Examining Judgment Debtors: How Courts Can Enforce Judgments Against Elusive Corporations
Winning a lawsuit is only half the battle. Learn how Philippine courts can examine corporate officers to enforce judgments against elusive debtors.
Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence: What Adoma v. People Teaches Law Enforcement
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying the rules on hot pursuit arrests and the chain of custody of seized evidence.
Reviving Dormant Judgments: Understanding the 10-Year Window for Enforcement in the Philippines
Learn how long you have to enforce a final judgment in the Philippines, what happens when the 10-year prescriptive period lapses, and how to revive a dormant judgment.
Clear Contract Terms and Enforcement in Business Agreements: IP E-Game Ventures v. Tan
The Supreme Court affirms that clear contract terms bind parties, and unsubstantiated claims of modification cannot defeat written agreements.
Oral Contracts of Sale: Validity and Enforceability Under Philippine Law
When is a verbal sale agreement binding in the Philippines? Learn the rules on validity, enforceability, and vitiated consent from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Jurisdiction and Contract Validity in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when oral sales of land are valid and enforceable, and how jurisdiction over property disputes is determined.
Understanding Consent and Force in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies force, threat, intimidation, and the "sweetheart theory" in rape convictions under Article 266-A of the RPC.
Arbitration Awards and Judicial Review: The Adapon Case on Enforceability in the Philippines
Philippine courts may only vacate arbitral awards on limited grounds. The Adapon case clarifies the scope of judicial review.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Why Prosecutorial Consent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that plea bargaining in drug cases requires prosecutorial consent; courts cannot force a plea agreement over the prosecution's objection.
Contractual Obligations and Appeal Timeliness: Salendab v. Dela Peña
A look at Salendab v. Dela Peña on the binding force of contracts and the strict rules on appeal periods under Philippine procedure.
Understanding TAX Assessments THE Importance OF Clear Factual Basis IN Philippine TAX Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax assessments must rest on solid factual grounds, not mere assumptions, to be valid and enforceable.