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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Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
Incestuous Rape: Delay in Reporting and the Moral Ascendancy of the Abuser
The Supreme Court clarifies when a father's lewd acts on his sleeping daughter constitute acts of lasciviousness, not RA 7610 violations.
Regular Employee Status, Security of Tenure, and Retirement Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
SC ruling on regular employment, illegal dismissal, and retirement rights under Article 302 of the Labor Code.
Online Psychological Abuse Under VAWC: Higher Penalty When Committed Through Social Media
Supreme Court clarifies that using Facebook to commit psychological abuse under RA 9262 warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Construction Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's recovery of overpayment from a government contractor, clarifying quantum meruit limits, due process, and procedural deadlines.
Forum Shopping and Failure to Prosecute: Lessons from Rural Bank of the Seven Lakes v. Dan
The Supreme Court clarifies the consequences of forum shopping, unverified appeals, and failure to prosecute a case before administrative bodies.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Protests: Court Personnel Cannot Exercise Judicial Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies that court personnel cannot exercise judicial discretion in granting execution pending appeal in election contests.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court annuls a COMELEC ruling that nullified execution pending appeal in an election protest, clarifying the standards for the remedy.
Child Witness Credibility in Statutory Rape Cases: People v. Perez
How the Supreme Court affirmed a statutory rape conviction based on a child victim's credible testimony, despite the presumption against rape accusations.
When Court Personnel Overstep: The Limits of Judicial Authority in Execution Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs and clerks of court who bypass judicial authority in executing judgments.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Protests: The Pecson v. COMELEC Standard
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may order execution pending appeal in election contests, and when COMELEC commits grave abuse of discretion in nullifying such orders.
Acts of Lasciviousness vs Rape: When Touching Is Not Insertion in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when digital touching amounts to acts of lasciviousness rather than rape by sexual assault.
Retroactivity of Supreme Court Decisions on Tax Exemptions: CJH Development v. BIR
The Supreme Court clarifies when tax exemption rulings apply retroactively and why declaratory relief is not the proper remedy for contesting tax assessments.
Material Misrepresentation in a COC: When a False Statement Can Nullify an Election Win
A false statement in a Certificate of Candidacy on a material qualification can cancel a candidacy and nullify an election victory, as Velasco v. COMELEC shows.
Ejectment and Back Rentals: The Greenhills Lease Dispute and the Limits of Court Awards
A stalled sublease at Greenhills Shopping Arcade leads to ejectment and a Supreme Court ruling on back rentals, estoppel, and who may recover.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating Fiduciary Funds: A Lesson in Public Trust
The Supreme Court dismissed a court clerk for dishonesty and grave misconduct after she misappropriated P238,220 in fiduciary funds, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Misappropriating Fiduciary Funds
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for dishonesty and grave misconduct after she failed to account for P238,220 in court funds.
SEC Memorandum Circulars: Publication and Filing Required for Effectivity
Supreme Court rules SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 1994 invalid for lack of publication and filing, affecting filing fee assessments.
Breach of Trust Dismissal Upheld for Financial Controller's Mismanagement
Supreme Court rules financial controller validly dismissed for gross neglect, serious misconduct, and loss of trust and confidence.
Perjury and Venue: Where the False Statement Truly Matters
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled that venue in perjury cases depends on where the false statement is used, not where it is notarized.
Legislative Inquiry vs Individual Rights: Due Process in Senate Investigations
The Supreme Court ruled the Senate violated due process by conducting "Hello Garci" inquiries without publishing its rules of procedure.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: What Buyers Must Know About Payment and Transfer of Rights
Learn the rules on redeeming foreclosed property, including payment amounts and assignment of redemption rights, from a Supreme Court ruling.
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure Sales: Scope and Transferability Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of redemption rights in extrajudicial foreclosure sales and when such rights may be validly transferred.