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.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Intimidation and the "Sweetheart Defense" in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on intimidation, rejecting the uncorroborated "sweetheart defense" and clarifying damages.
Untimely Appeal: Strict Application of Procedural Rules in Death Benefit Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how strict procedural rules apply to death benefit claims, and why timing matters.
Amending Lease Contracts: Upholding Written Agreements and Preventing Unjust Enrichment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease amendments, judicial admissions, and why unjust enrichment claims fail when a lessee violates the contract.
When Can Government Agencies Appeal Labor Case Decisions: Standing Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies standing rules for government agencies appealing labor case decisions, with practical guidance for litigants.
Arbitration Agreements Enforceability and Scope of Party Inclusion in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arbitration can be compelled, who is bound by arbitration agreements, and limits on dismissing arbitration cases.
Arbitration Agreements and the Corporate Veil: When Stockholders Are Not Bound by Company Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses bind only signatory parties, not corporate stockholders shielded by the corporate veil.
Just Compensation Under Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is valued for agrarian reform lands, emphasizing the time of taking and the factors under RA 6657.
Serious Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law: Balancing Discipline and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what constitutes serious misconduct justifying employee discipline, requiring substantial evidence and due process.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Held Liable for Another's Debts?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate personality and hold one company liable for another's obligations.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Silos v. PNB explains why unilateral interest rate hikes violate the mutuality principle in loan contracts.
When Property Rights Clash: Can a Claim for Damages Survive a Mooted Injunction
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a damages claim survives even after the main injunction case becomes moot.
Upholding Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Presumption of Regularity
Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, explaining chain of custody rules and presumption of regularity in police work under RA 9165.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Reversal of Rape Conviction Due to Insufficient Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome presumption of innocence, reaffirming proof beyond reasonable doubt standard.
Grave Misconduct and Public Service: Upholding Integrity in Government Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on grave misconduct in government service, explaining its definition, penalties, and the high standard of integrity required of public officials and employees.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Proving Ownership Claims in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that default judgments still require proof of claims, and bare allegations cannot establish ownership of property.
Ejectment Cases: Immediate Execution Despite Appeal Under Rule 70
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on immediate execution of ejectment judgments despite appeal, explained in plain language.
Court Employee Accountability: Inefficiency and Incompetence in Judicial Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on court interpreter's administrative liability for inefficiency, incompetence, and failure to perform official duties.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that police non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules can defeat drug prosecutions.
Bigamy and the Need for a Judicial Declaration of Nullity Before Remarriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that contracting a second marriage without first securing a judicial declaration of nullity of the first constitutes bigamy.
Untimely Appeal Strict Deadlines For VAT Refund Claims In The Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory 120-day and 30-day deadlines for VAT refund claims, including the exception for premature judicial filings.
Duress in Mortgage Contracts: Reasonable Fear and Legal Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fear or duress voids a mortgage, and why threatening a legal claim does not vitiate consent.
Writ of Possession Is Ministerial: Court Limits on Judges' Discretion in Foreclosure Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies writ of possession is ministerial after foreclosure, and judges who delay it face administrative sanctions.
Simple Rape vs Statutory Rape: The Legal Standard for Victims With Mental Retardation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape of a mental retardate is simple rape under Article 266-A(1)(b), not statutory rape, regardless of mental age.
Contractual Breach Understanding Rescission Rights IN Mining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a mining operating agreement may be validly rescinded for breach under Article 1191 of the Civil Code.