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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Buy-Bust Operations and the Presumption of Regularity: Balancing Law Enforcement and Individual Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations, presumption of regularity, and the limits of depositions in criminal cases.
Upholding Contractual Obligations THE Enforceability OF Compromise Agreements IN Real Estate Disputes
Navigating Force Majeure When Strikes Excuse Contractual Delays in Philippine Law
When do strikes excuse delayed delivery? The Supreme Court explains force majeure, good faith, and damages in government bidding.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: A Binding Contractual Obligation
When is a right of first refusal enforceable in Philippine property sales? The Supreme Court clarifies in PUP v. Firestone Ceramics.
Bouncing Checks AND Criminal Liability Strict Enforcement OF BP 22
Premature Execution Judgment Required Before Enforcing Court Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a writ of execution requires a final judgment, voiding premature enforcement in David v. Velasco.
Premature Execution: Why a Writ Without Final Judgment Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of execution requires a final judgment. Learn from David v. Velasco why premature enforcement is void.
Sheriff's Authority: Limits and Liabilities in Writ Implementation
A sheriff who deputizes police to enforce a writ outside his jurisdiction commits abuse of authority, as Torres v. Cabesuela shows.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Force and Intimidation in Consensual Relationships
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling that force and intimidation are relative and can exist even without a weapon, especially when the victim is young and alone.
Incestuous Rape: When a Father's Moral Ascendancy Replaces Force and Intimidation
The Supreme Court explains how a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter substitutes for force and intimidation in incestuous rape cases.
Interlocutory VS Final Orders Understanding Enforceability IN Philippine Courts
Philippine courts explain the difference between interlocutory and final orders, and when each can be enforced or appealed.
When Can an Employer Be Sued for an Employee’s Libel? The Premature Enforcement Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employer’s subsidiary liability for an employee’s libel can only be enforced after criminal conviction, not before.
Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Incestuous and Family Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy and intimidation can substitute for physical force in rape convictions.
Enforceability of Consultancy Agreements: Influence Peddling and Public Policy
When a consultancy agreement rests on influence peddling with government officials, Philippine courts will not enforce it as against public policy.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final judgments in disbarment cases, citing a lawyer for indirect contempt and disobedience for refusing to return client funds.
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments: Comity, Jurisdiction, and Burden of Proof
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on enforcing foreign judgments, comity, and burden of proof in Asiavest v. PNCC.
Compromise Agreements Enforceability and Third Party Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on spousal consortium, habeas corpus, and the limits of court-ordered cohabitation under the Family Code.
Habeas Corpus and Marital Consortium: When Courts Cannot Compel a Spouse to Live Together
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus cannot compel a spouse to live together, and that consortium is enforced by mutual affection, not court orders.
When Final Judgments Go Unenforced: Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Writs
A Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' ministerial duty to execute final judgments, and the consequences of delay.
Constructive Dismissal When Employer Actions Force Resignation: Hyatt Taxi Services vs. Catinoy
Preventive suspension beyond 30 days and conditional reinstatement can amount to constructive dismissal, as ruled in Hyatt Taxi Services vs. Catinoy.
Right of First Refusal Validity and Enforceability in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal is valid and enforceable in property and contract disputes.
Execution Pending Appeal When Urgency Justifies Immediate Enforcement
Explains when Philippine courts may allow execution pending appeal, using Standard Insurance v. Court of Appeals as a guide.
Safeguarding Suffrage: Voter Registration Deadlines and Comelec's Authority
The Supreme Court upholds Comelec's authority to enforce the 120-day voter registration ban under RA 8189.
Rape, Parental Authority, and Moral Ascendancy in Child Abuse Cases
How moral ascendancy and parental authority establish force in rape cases, and why the Supreme Court reduced the death penalty.