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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Broken Chains Safeguarding Drug Evidence AND Ensuring DUE Process IN Illegal Sale Cases
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.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
When Lawyers Neglect Cases: Suspension for Violating the Duty of Diligence
A lawyer who fails to file pleadings and attend hearings faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules on competence and diligence.
Moral Ascendancy as Force in Incestuous Rape: Protecting Vulnerable Victims
Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation under Philippine law.
Annulment of Judgment Protects Due Process and Jurisdictional Integrity
When courts dismiss annulment petitions on technicalities, due process suffers. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Constructive Dismissal When Workplace Hostility Forces Resignation
Executing a Labor Judgment Does Not Bar Certiorari: Due Process in Labor Disputes
Forced compliance with a writ of execution does not waive an employer's right to challenge a labor ruling via certiorari, the Supreme Court held.
Upholding Integrity: Disciplinary Action for Unauthorized Notarization and Aiding Unlawful Practice of Law
A lawyer who notarizes without a commission and lets a non-lawyer sign court pleadings faces a five-year suspension and permanent notarial bar.
Due Process and Delay: Upholding Debt Recovery Despite Repeated Postponements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how repeated postponements do not violate due process in debt recovery cases.
VAT Zero Rating: Proving Tax Exempt Status for Power Generation Services
Supreme Court clarifies that power generators selling to NPC may claim VAT zero-rating under Section 108(B)(3) without an ERC Certificate of Compliance.
Fresh Period Rule Applies to NCIP Appeals: A Win for Due Process in Indigenous Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Fresh Period Rule governs appeals from NCIP Regional Hearing Officers, protecting due process in ancestral land cases.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on public officials who signed resolutions recommending their own appointments, and the consequences of conflict of interest.
Tax Assessments and Due Process: When Can a Taxpayer Appeal to the CTA?
Taxpayers must exhaust administrative remedies before appealing to the CTA. Learn the rules on protesting assessments.
Conflicting Court Decisions: The Imperative of Case Consolidation in Philippine Law
When court decisions conflict, consolidation becomes necessary. This article explains the rules and practical implications for litigants in the Philippines.
Demanding Money for Expedited Permits Is a Violation of Anti-Graft Laws
The Supreme Court affirms that a DENR official demanding payment for processing free patent applications violates Section 3(c) of RA 3019.
Due Process in VAWC Cases: The Right to Preliminary Investigation and Fair Notice
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a respondent's right to due process in VAWC cases, requiring proper notice during preliminary investigation.
Graft Conviction Upheld for DENR Official Demanding Payment for Free Patent Applications
Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of DENR official under Section 3(c) of RA 3019 for demanding money to process free patent applications.
Preliminary Investigation Is a Substantive Right: Lessons from Palacios v. People
The Supreme Court rules that denying a reinvestigation based on procedural guidelines violates due process when the accused was never notified.
Due Process and Forum Shopping: Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Against Atty. Rastica
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint for lack of evidence and forum shopping, reiterating that lawyers deserve due process and protection from vexatious charges.
Proof in Tax Refund Claims: Annual ITR Suffices, Quarterly Returns Not Mandatory
The Supreme Court clarifies that presenting quarterly ITRs is not required to prove a claim for refund of excess creditable withholding taxes.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client Funds and Legal Services for Eight Years
A lawyer who took P170,000 and client documents but failed to transfer titles for eight years was suspended for three years.
Angkas and the Regulation of Ride-Hailing Services: Balancing Innovation and Public Safety
The Supreme Court ruled that motorcycle ride-hailing services like Angkas are subject to LTFRB regulation, affirming the State's police power over public transportation.
Notarial Law Personal Appearance Requirement and Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court explains why personal appearance before a notary public is mandatory, and the penalties for violating the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.