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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Kidnapping for Ransom and the Law on Child Victims: People v. Siongco
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of two men for kidnapping an 11-year-old boy for ransom, clarifying the law on consent, conspiracy, and damages.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: Slightest Penetration Suffices Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms statutory rape convictions, clarifying that slight penetration and credible child testimony are enough to convict.
Valid Warrantless Arrest Upholding Drug Conviction Based on In Flagrante Delicto
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction, ruling warrantless arrest valid when suspect caught in flagrante delicto exchanging shabu.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Primacy of Victim Testimony in Statutory Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed that a minor victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a statutory rape conviction.
Premature Legal Action: Understanding Ripeness in Declaratory Relief Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a declaratory relief case is premature and how the doctrine of primary jurisdiction applies.
Attorney Negligence and Extrinsic Fraud: The Limits of Legal Recourse in Philippine Law
When a lawyer's negligence costs a client the case, can the judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on extrinsic fraud.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court rules registered owners have better right to possession than occupants holding unregistered deeds, even notarized ones.
Extrinsic Fraud and Attorney Negligence: Due Process in Philippine Courts
When does a lawyer's negligence amount to extrinsic fraud? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Amihan Bus Lines v. Romars.
Defining the Lines: Independent Contractor vs Employee Status in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between independent contractors and employees, and the fatal consequences of procedural lapses in labor appeals.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Doubts on Victim's Behavior
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's initial inconsistent reports and lack of bruises do not negate the crime.
Decoding Independent Contractors When Control Determines Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer-employee relationship tests and the mandatory certificate of non-forum shopping in NLRC appeals.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Sale: Who Has Better Right to Possess Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a Torrens title prevails over an unregistered deed of sale in disputes over land possession.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Amount to Extrinsic Fraud: Amihan Bus Lines v. Romars
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's mistakes can justify annulment of judgment, and when clients must bear the consequences.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: When Prosecution Appeals Are Barred
The Supreme Court explains when the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal and why certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Which Court Has Jurisdiction Over Property Disputes
Learn which court can cancel a notice of lis pendens in Philippine property disputes, based on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Appeal Dismissed: The Imperative of Timely Docket Fee Payment in Philippine Courts
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on docket fees, emphasizing the strict requirement for timely payment to perfect an appeal in Philippine courts.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Show Wage Compliance
In Dansart Security Force v. Bagoy, the Supreme Court ruled that employers bear the burden of proving payment of wages and monetary benefits to employees.
Mortgage Validity, Good Faith, and Due Diligence in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, good faith, and the due diligence required of banks before accepting property as collateral.
Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945: Key Requirements for Land Registration
A corporation's land registration application fails because it could not prove possession since June 12, 1945, nor the land's alienable status.
Due Process in Termination: The Two-Notice Rule and Just Cause in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law requires employers to follow the two-notice rule and prove just cause before dismissing an employee. This case explains both requirements.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Victim Rights, and the High Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms a kidnap-for-ransom conviction, clarifies conspiracy liability, and adjusts damages awards for the victim.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Justice Despite Fugitive Status and Evidentiary Challenges
Supreme Court affirms kidnap-for-ransom conviction, dismisses fugitive's appeal, and clarifies damages awards under Philippine law.
School Negligence: Defining the Scope of Responsibility for Student Safety in Science Experiments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that schools and teachers owe students a high degree of care during dangerous activities like science experiments.