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.
Labor vs Civil Law: Who Hears Employer Damage Claims Against Employees?
Supreme Court clarifies that employer claims for damages against dismissed employees fall under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Treachery Defined: How Precise Application of Law Ensures Justice in Criminal Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery's elements in People v. Repollo, reducing a death sentence to reclusion perpetua while affirming murder convictions.
When a Civil Case Does Not Stop a Criminal Estafa Charge: Trust Receipts Explained
A civil suit to nullify trust receipts does not automatically suspend criminal estafa proceedings. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Civil Case Does Not Stop Criminal Prosecution
A pending civil action to nullify trust receipts is not a prejudicial question that bars criminal prosecution for estafa under Philippine law.
Marriage Nullity Absence OF Marriage License Voids Union
A marriage celebrated without a license is void from the beginning, even if the issue is raised only on appeal.
Defining Jurisdiction: Courts vs Energy Regulatory Board in Overcharging Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that regular courts, not the ERB, hear disputes over electric overcharging and recovery of sums.
Forcible Abduction With Rape: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification outweighs the accused's alibi and denial.
Contractor's Tax Assessments: Prescription Periods and Gross Receipts Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax assessment prescription periods, contractor's tax on security agency gross receipts, and protest deadlines under the NIRC.
Guardianship and Estate Rights: Resolving Inheritance Disputes Over Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can redeem property sold on execution and how courts protect estate rights in inheritance disputes.
Ballot Interpretation Upholding Voter Intent in Philippine Elections
How the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood, idem sonans, and intent rules to uphold voter intent in a barangay election protest.
Acquisitive Prescription: When Possession Becomes Ownership Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when possession ripens into ownership through acquisitive prescription, and why tax declarations alone do not prove title.
Second Marriages and Absent Spouses: Validity Under the Civil Code Explained
When a first spouse disappears, can a second marriage be valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Civil Code.
Attorney Negligence: Upholding a Lawyer's Duty of Diligence and Competence
A lawyer's failure to file briefs caused a client's case to be lost. The Supreme Court suspended him for one year.
Default and Damages: Clarifying Rights in Chattel Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules, damages, and replevin in chattel mortgage disputes—key lessons for creditors and borrowers.
Heirs Bound by Contractual Duties in Property Leases: DKC Holdings v. Bartolome
When a lessor dies, are heirs bound by the lease contract? The Supreme Court explains transmissible obligations under Article 1311.
When Heirs Disagree: Judicial Partition Over Administration of an Estate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may convert estate administration proceedings into judicial partition among heirs.
Forcible Abduction vs Rape: Distinguishing Intent and Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Abalde clarifies statutory rape, force, intimidation, and evidence standards in sexual assault cases.
VAT on Services: When "Trade or Business" Does Not Require Profit Motive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT applies to services rendered for a fee even without profit motive. Learn the rules.
Self-Defense and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Caverte
A look at how the Supreme Court applied self-defense, alibi, treachery, and conspiracy rules in People v. Caverte.
Tax Exemption Boundaries: PAGCOR Privileges and the Perils of Misrepresentation
Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR's tax exemption on importations does not automatically extend to concessionaires, and warns against fraudulent claims.
Docket Fees and the Right to Amend: Balancing Access to Justice in Patent Infringement Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on docket fees, amendments to complaints, and equitable access to justice in patent cases.
Lawyer's Duty to Respect Attorney-Client Relationships: Lessons from Camacho v. Pangulayan
A lawyer who negotiates directly with opposing parties already represented by counsel violates professional ethics and faces suspension.
Step-Parent Rape and the Death Penalty: What Philippine Law Requires
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a stepfather who raped his 11-year-old stepdaughter, clarifying the rules on qualifying circumstances and damages.
Ombudsmans Discretion When Courts Defer to Anti-Graft Investigations
Philippine courts defer to Ombudsman findings in anti-graft cases absent grave abuse of discretion. Learn from Morong Water District.