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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Moral Ascendancy vs Consent: Understanding Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies rape, attempted rape, and acts of lasciviousness under Philippine law, including the role of moral ascendancy and intimidation.
Employer Liability in Criminal Negligence Cases: When Subsidiary, Not Solidary, Liability Applies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face subsidiary versus solidary liability for employee crimes like reckless imprudence.
Defining Rank-and-File Union Membership Eligibility in the Philippines
A 2010 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when employees are confidential and excluded from rank-and-file bargaining units, and what constitutes unfair labor practice.
Good Faith Construction: Defining Landowner and Builder Rights in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rights of good faith builders and landowners under Civil Code Articles 448, 546, and 548.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Weight of a Child’s Testimony in Abuse by a Stepfather
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather’s qualified rape conviction, explaining why a child’s consistent testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies and alibi.
Redemption Rights in Tax Sales: When the One-Year Period Starts in Quezon City
The Supreme Court clarifies when the one-year redemption period starts for tax-delinquent properties sold at auction in Quezon City.
Abuse of Authority in Philippine Administrative Law: The Bien v. Bo Case
When do public officials cross the line into abuse of authority? The Supreme Court's ruling in Bien v. Bo provides clear guidance on official capacity and private benefit.
Upholding Judicial Discretion THE Courts Power TO Review Probable Cause Despite DOJ Findings
Unreasonable Delay in Resolving Ejectment Cases: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Supreme Court holds judge liable for undue delay in ejectment case, emphasizing summary proceedings demand speedy resolution.
Corporate Rehabilitation Dismissed for Rule Violations and Creditor Opposition
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of corporate rehabilitation petition where debtor violated procedural rules and faced substantial creditor opposition.
Void Sale of Market Stall: Buyer Can Recover Price Despite Null Contract
Supreme Court rules on void sale of city-owned market stall, allowing buyer to recover P20,000 with interest despite null contract.
Upholding Justice When Procedural Errors Threaten Individual Rights
A wrongly filed appeal should not cost a public officer her liberty when substantial justice calls for leniency.
Security of Tenure in Government Service: When Reorganization Is a Ruse for Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court affirms that sham reorganizations violate security of tenure and that mayors acting in bad faith face personal liability for damages.
Unjustified Refusal of Transcript Release: When Can a School Withhold Records
The Supreme Court clarifies when schools may withhold transcripts and why CHED cannot award damages in disputes over student records.
Certiorari as a Remedy: Navigating the Boundaries of Judicial Review in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari under Rule 65 is proper and why it cannot substitute a lost appeal in Sonic Steel v. CA.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Failure TO File AN Appeal Leads TO Dismissal
When failure to file an appeal brief leads to dismissal, the Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter and when they may be relaxed.
When Public Officials Face Personal Liability for Official Acts
Supreme Court clarifies when school officials may be personally sued for damages and why exhaustion of administrative remedies does not apply.
When Late Appeal Briefs Get Dismissed: Lessons from a Property Dispute
The Supreme Court explains when late filing of an appeal brief justifies dismissal, using a property dispute as a cautionary example.
Certiorari as Substitute for Appeal: Procedural Lapses and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Philippine Courts
When can courts overlook procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies certiorari, Rule 43, and grave abuse of discretion in Go v. Court of Appeals.
Irrevocability of Tax Credit Option: Understanding the Asiaworld Properties Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that choosing to carry over excess income tax credits bars refund claims for those amounts in later years.
Protecting Minors: Conviction for Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Affirmed
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors, clarifying key legal principles on carnal knowledge and penalties.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Primacy of the Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining why a credible victim's testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies and medical report details.
Tax Credit Certificates: Good Faith Transferees Protected Despite Fraudulent Origins
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a good faith transferee of tax credit certificates cannot be reassessed when the original grantee committed fraud.
Badges of Fraud in Property Sales: When Courts Void Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court explains how "badges of fraud" can invalidate property sales, even absolute deeds, when fraud taints the transaction.