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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When Fraud or Force Negates Consent in Rape: People v. Disipulo
The Supreme Court clarifies that consent obtained through fraud or overcome by force is not valid consent in rape cases.
Judicial Accountability and Compassionate Justice: Reassessing Penalties for Misconduct
The Supreme Court partially grants a judge's reconsideration, replacing dismissal with a fine, applying compassionate justice in administrative cases.
Philippine Taxation: Source of Income for Satellite Communication Services
Supreme Court rules satellite air time fees paid to non-resident foreign corporation are Philippine-sourced income subject to final withholding tax.
Navigating Estate Settlements: Understanding the Limits of Intervention in Probate Proceedings
Learn when courts allow intervention in probate cases, the legal standards applied, and practical tips for protecting estate interests.
Judicial Clemency and Reinstatement of Disqualified Public Officials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when dismissed judges may be reinstated through judicial clemency, requiring proof of remorse, reformation, and public apology.
Attorney Negligence and Client Communication: Ethical Duties in Legal Representation
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence and the duty to inform clients, with practical lessons for attorneys and clients.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Communication Failures in Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for missed deadlines and failure to inform clients, setting clear standards for attorney conduct.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Trocio Case on Child Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct under RA 7610, holding a doctor liable for abusing a minor patient.
Accountability in Public Office: Mayor's Liability for Negligent Fund Disbursement
A mayor's approval of an unappropriated price escalation payment led to malversation and graft convictions, underscoring public officers' duty of diligence.
Mootness Doctrine: When Supervening Events Make Court Rulings Irrelevant
Philippine Veterans Bank v. CA explains when a case becomes moot and academic due to supervening events and why courts dismiss such petitions.
Tarnishing Public Office: Offering Money and the Limits of Official Conduct
A city councilor's act of offering money, even outside official duties, is conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Protecting Land Rights: Innocent Purchaser Status and Due Diligence in Property Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when summary judgment is improper in property disputes involving claims of innocent purchaser status and good faith.
Navigating Real Estate Installment Contracts: The Importance of Proper Rescission Under the Maceda Law
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies rescission rules for real estate installment sales and the rights of buyers under the Maceda Law.
Tax Declarations and Property Ownership: When a Summary Judgment Oversteps
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partial summary judgment ordering a tax declaration constitutes grave abuse of discretion, and the proper remedy to challenge it.
Usurpation of Official Functions: When Suspension Does Not Stop Official Acts
A suspended mayor who continued solemnizing marriages and issuing permits was convicted of usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the RPC.
Psychological Incapacity: Proving Marital Nullity Through Totality of Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies how totality of evidence, including expert testimony, can establish psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Chronic Infidelity as Psychological Incapacity: Quiogue v. Quiogue Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that chronic infidelity rooted in a personality disorder can be psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Partial Summary Judgments: When Grave Abuse of Discretion Opens the Door to Certiorari
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partial summary judgment may be assailed via certiorari, and why a tax declaration case involving BCDA fell under grave abuse of discretion.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Protecting Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the principal the real employer and solidarity liable.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that trademark ownership in the Philippines is rooted in actual use, not mere registration. Learn the rules.
Divorce Abroad: Filipino Spouse Can Remarry Even After Joint Divorce with Foreigner
Supreme Court clarifies that a Filipino spouse may remarry after a foreign divorce, even if the divorce was obtained jointly with the foreign spouse.
Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employees From Unjust Working Conditions
The Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal, abandonment, and when harsh working conditions amount to illegal termination under Philippine law.
Executive Authority vs Judicial Review: Resolving Tax Disputes Between Government Entities
The Supreme Court rules that tax disputes between executive agencies must first undergo administrative settlement, not judicial review.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that trademark ownership in the Philippines is anchored on actual use, not mere registration, in a landmark ruling.