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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Silence Is Not Acquiescence: Delayed Reporting in Philippine Rape Cases
Why a rape victim's delayed report and vague words like "ginalaw" do not weaken a conviction, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Resolving Church Disputes: Jurisdiction and the Right to Possess Religious Property
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that ejectment cases involving church property are not intra-corporate disputes, and explains the limits of ownership claims.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Shortage Claims: Proving Loss and Valid Insurance Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cargo shortage claims: insurer must prove actual loss and valid policy coverage to recover from carriers.
Challenging Vagrancy Laws: The Supreme Court Upholds Article 202(2) of the Revised Penal Code
The Supreme Court upholds Article 202(2) on vagrancy, ruling it constitutional and not violative of due process or equal protection.
Supreme Court Cuts Credit Card Interest to 2% Monthly as Unconscionable
The Supreme Court reduced BPI's 3% monthly credit card interest and penalty to 2%, citing unconscionable rates.
The Informant's Shield: Balancing Drug Enforcement and Defendants' Rights in Buy-Bust Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when buy-bust operations are valid, how chain of custody works, and why informants' identities are protected.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Affirming Murder Conviction Despite Self-Defense Claim
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, rejecting self-defense where the accused admitted killing but failed to prove unlawful aggression.
Hauling Contracts: Scope of Work Defines Entitlement to Extra Pay
Supreme Court rules on when hauling contractors can claim extra compensation beyond the contract price in service agreements.
Redundancy and Management Prerogative: Safeguarding Employee Rights in Corporate Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies redundancy termination rules, management prerogative limits, and employee rights in corporate restructuring.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Taxing Power: The Limits of Local Authority
A local government cannot tax property outside its territory. The Supreme Court explains why jurisdiction defines taxing power.
Drug Bust Conviction Upheld: Chain of Custody and Informant Rules in Philippine Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies chain of custody and informant rules in drug cases, upholding a buy-bust conviction under RA 9165.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Dishonesty in Handling Public Funds
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for failing to account for P256,530.25 in court fund shortages, affirming strict accountability standards.
Protecting Public Assets: Court Approves Conversion of Coconut Levy-Funded Shares Amidst Ownership Dispute
The Supreme Court allows converting sequestered SMC shares into preferred shares to protect public assets during the coconut levy ownership dispute.
Credit Card Interest Rates: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection in the Philippines
The Supreme Court limits credit card interest and penalty rates to 2% monthly, balancing lender rights with borrower protection.
Residency vs. Domicile in Philippine Elections: The Pundaodaya Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that voter registration and property ownership do not prove election residency, which legally means domicile.
Ballot Integrity Prevails: Rules for Correctly Counting Barangay Election Votes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies appeal fee rules and ballot appreciation standards in barangay election protests, ensuring voter intent prevails.
Collective Bargaining in Education: Balancing Tuition Hikes and Employee Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how RA 6728 tuition fee increments fund employee benefits in collective bargaining disputes.
Implied Consent and Jurisdiction: When Unpleaded Issues Become Part of a Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how unpleaded issues tried with implied consent become part of a case under Rule 10.
Premature Campaigning Motorcades and the Definition of a Candidate Under Philippine Election Law
The Supreme Court rules that motorcades after filing a certificate of candidacy can constitute premature campaigning, disqualifying a candidate under the Omnibus Election Code.
Voluntary Retirement vs. Illegal Dismissal: The Thin Line in Philippine Labor Law
When does a voluntary retirement program cross the line into illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies in Quevedo v. BENECO.
Publication Imperative Safeguarding Property Rights in Foreclosure Sales
Supreme Court rules strict publication of foreclosure sale notice is mandatory; failure invalidates sale and subsequent transfers.
Unreliable Identification Conviction Quashed DUE TO Flawed Witness Testimony
Explore how flawed witness testimony undermines drug convictions, examining the Supreme Court's ruling on unreliable identification.
Acquisitive Prescription: Proving Open, Continuous Possession for Land Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession for land registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Family Home vs Creditors: When Annulment Doesn't Shield Property From Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a family home can be sold to settle debts after marriage annulment, and the finality of court orders.