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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Protecting Children: Defining and Punishing Child Abuse Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual abuse of a minor falls under RA 7610 and how courts determine the true nature of the crime charged.
Protecting Children How Courts Decide Statutory Rape Cases Despite Unclear Dates
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases when the exact date of the offense is uncertain, based on established legal principles.
Statutory Rape: Protecting Children and Ensuring Due Process in Criminal Law
A father's conviction for statutory rape upheld, but due process requires every element—including relationship—be alleged in the information.
When a Lawyer's Private Misconduct Warrants Disbarment: The Arnobit Case
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for abandoning his wife and children to cohabit with another woman, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for the practice of law.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Disbarment for Gross Immoral Conduct
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for abandoning his wife and children to cohabit with another woman, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the bar.
Lawyer Disbarred for Gross Immoral Conduct: Abandoning Wife and Children
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who abandoned his wife and 12 children to cohabit with another woman, ruling gross immoral conduct warrants the ultimate penalty.
Protecting Children's Rights, Conjugal Property, and Execution of Judgments
When can a conjugal property be sold to pay a spouse's personal debt? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of execution against family assets.
Valid Substituted Service and Child Support Rights in Philippine Family Law
Supreme Court ruling on valid substituted service of summons for OFW parents and the right of illegitimate children to support.
Void Marriages and Child Support: When Can a Marriage Be Challenged in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void marriage can be challenged in court and the support rights of children born from such unions.
Protecting Children Credibility IN Rape AND Lasciviousness Cases Involving Minors
The Supreme Court affirms that minor inconsistencies do not destroy a child rape victim's credibility, explaining why delay in reporting is justified.
Conjugal Property Support Illegitimate Children Family Code Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when conjugal property may be levied to satisfy support obligations for illegitimate children under the Family Code.
Protecting Children in Qualified Rape: When a Young Witness Takes the Stand
In People v. Balonzo, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's conviction for qualified rape, showing how courts weigh a child victim's testimony and proof of age.
Custody Disputes: Why a Mother's Fitness Prevails for Children Under Seven
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the tender-age presumption in custody disputes, affirming a mother's right to sole custody absent compelling evidence of unfitness.
Establishing Filiation: How Informal Writings Can Prove Paternity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how handwritten letters can establish paternity and filiation of illegitimate children under the Family Code.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for four counts of incestuous rape, imposing reclusion perpetua without parole under RA 9346.
Successional Rights OF Illegitimate Children Clarifying Waiver AND Filiation Requirements
SSS Death Benefits: Proving Spousal and Child Dependency in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on SSS death benefit claims, focusing on proving dependency for spouses and legitimacy for children.
Protecting Children How Courts Ensure Fair Charges In Abuse Cases
Learn how Philippine courts uphold fair charges in child abuse cases, with insights from a Supreme Court administrative ruling.
Family Code Interpretation Limits on Family Member Definition in Legal Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies Article 213 of the Family Code: mothers keep custody of children under seven unless compelling reasons exist.
Protecting Children: Defining Lascivious Conduct and Child Abuse Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct and child abuse under RA 7610, protecting minors from sexual exploitation.
Intestate Succession Under the Old Civil Code: Equal Rights for Illegitimate Children
How the Supreme Court applied the old Civil Code's succession rules to protect the inheritance rights of illegitimate children in a landmark 2005 ruling.
Parental Love vs Property Rights: When Family Land Disputes Reach Court
A Supreme Court ruling on ejectment between parents and children, and when a builder in good faith may claim indemnity for improvements under Article 448.
Trust AND Title Upholding Heir Rights Despite Torrens Registration
Supreme Court voids a deed transferring conjugal land to illegitimate children, ruling Torrens titles cannot cure a void contract.
Derivative Citizenship: How a Parent's Naturalization Can Grant Citizenship to Their Children
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a parent's naturalization confers derivative citizenship on minor children born in the Philippines.