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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Consent in Rape Cases: Force, Intimidation, and Credibility Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, explaining when lack of resistance signals consent and how courts test force and intimidation.
Due Process and the Right to Present Evidence: Lessons from People v. Oga
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, showing how the prosecution must prove force and intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Enforcement Delayed: Prescription and Revival of Judgments in Philippine Property Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the five-year and ten-year deadlines for enforcing judgments, and the consequences of delay.
Rape and Incest: The Supreme Court's Stance on Protecting Victims From Parental Abuse
The Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying force is relative and rejecting the sweetheart defense in abuse cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Understanding THE Elements OF Force AND Consent IN Cases Involving Minors
Contractual Obligations Upholding Clear Terms In Waiver Agreements
The Supreme Court enforces the plain terms of a waiver agreement, ruling that clear contractual stipulations prevail over claims of unexpressed intent.
Threat of Force Nullifies Consent: Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Lack of Physical Resistance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling threats of death negate consent and proving force is unnecessary in statutory rape.
Probable Cause and Due Process: When a Judge’s Contempt Power Becomes Grave Abuse
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge’s arrest of a traffic enforcer clarifies the limits of contempt power and due process.
Rape and Moral Ascendancy: Penetration Not Required for Consummation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration is not required for consummated rape, especially when moral ascendancy substitutes for force.
When Government Action Excuses Contractual Performance: Force Majeure in Philippine Law
Philippine law on force majeure and how government acts may excuse contractual performance, explained for everyday readers.
Upholding Migrant Workers Act: Courts Can't Stop Enforcement Without Proof of Harm
Supreme Court rules courts cannot enjoin enforcement of the Migrant Workers Act without clear proof of irreparable injury to those challenging it.
Settlement Trumps Appeal: The Binding Force of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, their binding effect, and limits on appeal rights.
Enforceability of Venue Stipulations in Contracts of Adhesion: Piltel v. Tecson
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when venue stipulations in contracts of adhesion bind subscribers, citing Piltel v. Tecson.
Warrantless Arrests Based ON Tips Striking A Balance Between LAW Enforcement AND Individual Rights
When Ambiguity Clouds Inheritance Agreements: The Quiros v. Arjona Ruling
A barangay settlement left the land unidentified. The Supreme Court ruled the deal valid but unenforceable, pointing heirs to reformation instead of nullity.
Freedom to Contract vs Equity: No Perfected Contract, No Forced Sale of Government Property
Supreme Court rules equity cannot compel the National Housing Authority to sell land without a perfected contract of sale.
Judicial Accountability and the Limits of a Sheriff’s Duty in Execution of Judgments
A sheriff who enforced a writ on the wrong property was cleared of administrative liability — but the ruling clarifies key limits on execution.
Limits of Self-Defense When Force Exceeds the Threat in Philippine Law
When a victim fights back against a rapist, does the law punish excessive force? Philippine jurisprudence explains the limits.
Incestuous Rape and Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Philippine Law
In People v. Lou, the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction on moral ascendancy, not force, and clarified when the death penalty may be imposed.
Credibility of Testimony in Rape Cases: The Importance of Consistent and Believable Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, force, intimidation, and proof of qualifying circumstances in rape cases.
Upholding Barangay Dispute Resolutions Enforceability AND Timeframes FOR Amicable Settlements
The Supreme Court clarifies when barangay amicable settlements become final and how the six-month execution period under the Local Government Code should be counted.
Rape and Credibility: How Inconsistencies in Victim Testimony Are Weighed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts assess victim credibility, force, intimidation, and qualifying circumstances in rape cases.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches Incident Thereto: Balancing Rights and Law Enforcement in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless arrests and incidental searches are valid under Philippine law, using a marijuana transport case.
Rape Conviction Stands: Force and Intimidation Trump Claims of Consent in Sweetheart Defense
SC affirms rape conviction of man who attacked a mentally disabled woman, ruling force and intimidation override any alleged romantic relationship.