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.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
Psychological Incapacity: The High Bar for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reiterates that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires proof of gravity, juridical antecedence, and incurability—not mere infidelity or irreconcilable differences.
Defining Probable Cause in Philippine Plunder Cases: Estrada v. Office of the Ombudsman
The Supreme Court explains the standard for probable cause in plunder cases and why courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
Right to Preliminary Investigation: When the Ombudsman's Failure to Serve the Complaint Violates Due Process
The Supreme Court rules that withholding the complaint affidavit during preliminary investigation violates the accused's constitutional right to due process.
Electricity Disconnection: Utility's Duty to Inspect and Provide Notice
When can a distribution utility disconnect electric service? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to inspect meters and give proper notice.
Limits on Seizure: Balancing Privacy and Law Enforcement in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when seized items are admissible, balancing privacy rights with valid law enforcement in search warrant cases.
Attorney Neglect and Failure to Account for Client Funds Warrants One-Year Suspension
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P30,000 in litigation fees.
Prolonged Floating Status of Security Guards Is Constructive Dismissal
Security guards placed on floating status beyond six months are constructively dismissed. Learn the rule from Padilla v. Airborne Security.
Suicide and Seafarers' Death Benefits: Proving Intentional Self-Harm in Maritime Claims
When can a shipping company deny death benefits by proving a seafarer committed suicide? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary standard.
Quieting of Title: Banks Must Verify Ownership Before Accepting Untitled Land as Mortgage
A bank that fails to verify ownership of untitled land before accepting it as mortgage security loses the property. Learn the rules on quieting of title and due diligence.
Breach of Trust: Legal Consequences of Stepparent Rape in the Philippines
A stepfather's rape of his minor stepdaughter is qualified rape, warranting reclusion perpetua without parole. This case explains the law.
Simulated Contracts: When Property Transfers Are Void in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a simulated contract is void, not merely rescissible, using a P50-million property assignment case.
Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Abandoning Client and Refusing to Return Fees
Supreme Court suspends Atty. Glenn Samson for two years for neglecting a client's case, refusing to return overpaid fees and documents, and ignoring IBP proceedings.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty, Damage, and the Limits of Reliance
When does altering a date on a purchase order become falsification? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good-faith reliance for public officers.
Upholding the Validity of a Sale When Allegations of Forgery Fall Short
The Supreme Court explains when a notarized deed of sale stands despite claims of forgery, and why bare allegations are not enough.
When Silence Isn't Golden: The Perils of Unchallenged Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling shows how unchallenged eyewitness testimony can seal a murder conviction, and why defense lawyers must test it.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Religious Affiliation and Shari'a Court Jurisdiction
Can a municipality be considered Muslim for Shari'a court jurisdiction? The Supreme Court says no, reversing a Shari'a District Court ruling.
Safeguarding Impartiality Upholding DUE Process IN Administrative Whistleblowing Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession due to police failure to mark evidence at the place of seizure, establishing new guidelines for firearms cases.
Unraveling Fraud Protecting Heirs Rights IN Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirs can pursue quieting of title and reconveyance despite allegations of fraud and laches.
Probable Cause Required Before Customs Seizure: Commissioner of Customs v. Singson
Philippine Supreme Court rules customs forfeiture requires probable cause first, not mere suspicion or certification.
Real Actions and Jurisdiction: Why Assessed Value Determines the Correct Philippine Court
In real actions, the property's assessed value determines which court has jurisdiction. Omitting it can doom the case.
Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring willful breach proven by substantial evidence.
Upholding Candor and Fairness: Attorney Suspended for Unconscionable Fees and Deceitful Conduct
A lawyer who deceived elderly clients into signing an unfair fee agreement was suspended for five years. Learn the ethical rules on attorney's fees.