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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Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason: How Philippine Law Protects Mentally Retarded Victims
In People v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court clarified that carnal knowledge of a mental retardate is rape of a person deprived of reason under the Revised Penal Code.
Foreign Land Ownership Restrictions Lease Agreements As Virtual Transfers
Supreme Court voids 100-year lease to foreigner as virtual transfer of land ownership, reaffirming constitutional ban on alien landholding.
Proving Receipt of Tax Assessment Notices: CIR v. GJM Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the BIR must prove a taxpayer actually received a tax assessment notice, or the assessment may be void.
Work-Related Aggravation and Seafarers' Right to Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits when a pre-existing illness is aggravated by work conditions.
Surety Agreements: Solidary Liability and Waiver of Rights in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety liability, accommodation mortgagors, and waiver clauses in loan deficiency claims.
Accountability in Public Service: The Duty to Ensure Proper Delivery of Government Resources
Supreme Court affirms conviction of a city official for ghost delivery of equipment under Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Just Compensation Beyond Market Value: Ensuring Fair Recovery in Expropriation Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that just compensation in expropriation cases may exceed market value, including consequential damages for remaining property.
Beyond the Letter: Protecting Employee Rights and Personal Choices in Workplace Morality
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agrarian reform land transfers, void contracts, and the limits of workplace morality enforcement.
The Limits of Psychological Incapacity: Upholding Marital Inviolability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code requires grave, antecedent, and incurable conditions—not mere marital unhappiness.
When Does the State Pay in Government Contracts? The Agency Question
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contractor can hold the government liable for a subcontractor's unpaid services under an agency theory.
When Title Reconstitution Fails: Conflicting Claims and Enemy Property
The Supreme Court explains when a petition to reconstitute a lost title must be denied, using a World War II-era vesting order as key evidence.
Safeguarding Judicial Independence: Dismissal of Baseless Complaints Against Judges
The Supreme Court dismisses baseless administrative complaints against CA justices, reinforcing that adverse rulings alone do not prove judicial bias or partiality.
Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty: Court Sheriff Dismissed for Soliciting Money in Fake Annulment Case
Supreme Court ruling on a sheriff who solicited P100,000 to fix an annulment case, emphasizing accountability of court personnel.
Judicial Ethics: Substantiated Claims of Misconduct Against Court Personnel
Learn how the Supreme Court handles administrative misconduct claims against sheriffs, including the rules on evidence and withdrawal of complaints.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Attorney Neglect and Suspension From Legal Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for neglecting a client's case and failing to file a motion for reconsideration.
When Customary Law Meets Final Judgment: The Limits of Mandamus in IPRA Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when IPRA customary laws apply in disputes and why a final judgment cannot be overturned through a writ of mandamus.
Ombudsman Findings Upheld: Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect in Public Office
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of PCSO division chief for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty over unremitted lotto collections.
Public Land Rights: Supreme Court Cancels University Titles Over Inalienable Domain
The Supreme Court cancels Central Mindanao University's titles over reserved public land, reaffirming that reservations remain inalienable unless positively declared disposable.
Waiver of Demand in Promissory Notes: Upholding Contractual Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on waiver of demand clauses in promissory notes and their binding effect on borrowers.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Determining Competence in Injunction Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Special Commercial Courts retain general jurisdiction over ordinary civil cases like injunction actions.
Navigating Corporate Rehabilitation: Strict Compliance vs Equitable Relief in Financial Distress
The Supreme Court clarifies when liberality in procedural rules applies in corporate rehabilitation appeals, balancing equity with due process for creditors.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work-relatedness of non-listed illnesses with substantial evidence, not just rely on disputable presumption.
The Limits of Alibi: Proving Physical Impossibility in Criminal Defense
A Supreme Court ruling explains why alibi fails unless the accused proves physical impossibility of being at the crime scene.
Seafarers Disability Claims Proving THE Link Between Work AND Illness
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers claiming disability benefits must prove their illness is work-related, even if not listed as an occupational disease.