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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Mortgage Rights Prevail: Protecting Secured Creditors in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on secured creditors' mortgage rights versus labor judgment execution, and the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
When Silence Speaks: Convicting on a Child's Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases
In People v. Peralta, the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based mainly on the child victim's testimony, showing how courts weigh credibility in rape cases.
Protecting the Innocent: The Vital Role of Testimony and Medical Evidence in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction, explaining how a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings secure justice.
Search Warrants Beyond Territorial Limits: Executive Judge Authority in Drug Cases
When can a Manila judge issue a search warrant for a house in Pampanga? The Supreme Court explains executive judge authority in drug cases.
Prescription in Reconveyance: Clarifying the Four-Year Rule for Actions Based on Threat and Intimidation
The Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period runs in reconveyance actions based on threat and intimidation, not fraud.
Consent Under Threat: Rape, Recantation, and Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape, consent, and recantation in People v. Peralta, affirming conviction and damages.
Privatization vs Pending Disciplinary Actions: Navigating Jurisdiction in Employee Cases
When a government bank turns private, does the CSC lose jurisdiction over pending employee disciplinary appeals? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Protecting Marital Property: The Necessity of Spousal Consent in Property Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court protects conjugal property from unauthorized sales by one spouse, and why buyers must verify spousal consent.
When Property Titles Arent Always What They Seem Understanding Encumbrances AND Conditional Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a reconveyance claim prescribes, distinguishing fraud from intimidation, and the importance of due process in property disputes.
Safeguarding Election Integrity and Due Process in COMELEC's Ballot Appreciation
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC's internal ballot appreciation requires notice and how due process applies in election contests.
Bereavement Leave and Death Benefits: Protecting Employees' Rights in Times of Loss
The Supreme Court ruled that bereavement leave and death benefits under a CBA cover the death of an unborn child. Learn the legal basis.
Air Carrier Breach of Contract: Damages and Interest in Air Travel Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest runs on damages awarded in air carrier breach of contract cases.
Father’s Conviction for Rape: Death Penalty Reduced to Reclusion Perpetua
Supreme Court affirms father’s rape conviction but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information omitted the victim’s age.
When Love Fades Psychological Incapacity VS Marital Disaffection IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's emotional distance is psychological incapacity under Article 36, and when it is simply a failed marriage.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects property rights in eminent domain cases, and why just compensation must follow legal procedures.
Optional Retirement: When Employer Discretion Prevails Over Employee Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that optional retirement benefits under a company gratuity plan remain subject to employer discretion, not a matter of right.
Emancipation Patents Full Payment Required for Indefeasibility in Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court rules that emancipation patents may be cancelled if farmer-beneficiaries fail to pay amortizations, as full payment is required before title transfer.
Laches and Prescription in Construction Contract Disputes: IBEX v. GSIS
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on prescription, laches, and finality of CIAC factual findings in construction disputes.
Forged Signatures and Fraud: Establishing Liability for Estafa Through Falsification
How the Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for estafa through falsification when forged bank encashment slips were used to withdraw another's funds.
Respecting Final Judgments: The Imperative of Closure in Legal Proceedings
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Ibasco v. PDCP on finality of judgments, timely appeals, and the limits of injunctive relief in foreclosure cases.
Vitiated Consent and Simulated Sales: Understanding Contract Nullity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent and simulated prices void sales, using a family land dispute as a guide.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions: People v. Dela Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining rules on credibility, alibi, treachery, and damages.
Writ of Possession Denied When Third Party Holds Property Adversely to Mortgagor
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank cannot get a writ of possession after foreclosure—when a third party holds the property under an adverse title.
Jurisdiction Thresholds: Which Court Hears Real Property Disputes Based on Assessed Value
Philippine court jurisdiction over real property disputes hinges on assessed value. Learn the P20,000 threshold rule from a Supreme Court ruling.