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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Defining the Boundaries of Rape When Contact Does Not Constitute Penetration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when sexual contact without penetration constitutes rape, examining the legal definition and elements of the crime.
Freeport vs Customs Territory: Navigating Importation Laws in Philippine Economic Zones
Supreme Court ruling on EO 156 clarifies that importation bans in customs territory do not automatically apply inside the Subic Bay Freeport.
Bound by Your Lawyer's Mistakes: Client Responsibility in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance, implied trusts, and why clients are bound by their counsel's procedural lapses.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility: Why Land Registration Must Be Timely and Accurate in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a Torrens title cannot be collaterally attacked and why land registration must be timely and accurate.
Immediate Deposit Rule for Court Clerks: Accountability Despite Full Restitution
Court clerks must deposit judiciary funds immediately. Restitution does not erase administrative liability, as this Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows.
Strict Liability and the Comelec Gun Ban: Why Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse
The Supreme Court explains why carrying a firearm during an election period without a permit is a strict liability offense under COMELEC Resolution No. 2323.
Permanent vs Temporary Appointments: Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a "permanent" appointment is actually temporary, and what it means for security of tenure in government service.
Corporate Autonomy and Employee Benefits: The PPA Hazard Pay and Birthday Gift Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations can grant employee benefits, using the PPA hazard pay and birthday cash gift case.
Breach of Trust: When a Donation Fails Because the Donor Was Only a Trustee
A donor cannot give away property that belongs to another. The Supreme Court explains implied trusts and void donations in Comilang v. Burcena.
Compromise Agreements: Who Is Actually Bound by a Settlement?
A compromise agreement binds only its signatories. Learn how the Supreme Court protected a co-maker not named in the settlement.
When Two Lawsuits Overlap: Litis Pendentia and the Peril of Splitting One Dispute
The Supreme Court explains when a second lawsuit over the same dispute must be dismissed, even without forum shopping.
Judicial Efficiency: A Judge's Duty to Expedite Case Resolution and Avoid Undue Delay
The Supreme Court reminds judges of their duty to expedite proceedings, ruling that prolonged arraignment delays violate the constitutional right to speedy trial.
Unveiling Implied Trust: How Purchase Money Defines Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains purchase money resulting trust under Article 1448, Civil Code, and its effect on donations of property.
Navigating Multiple Lawsuits Understanding Litis Pendentia IN THE Philippines TO Avoid Case Dismissal
Learn how litis pendentia can lead to case dismissal in the Philippines, with insights from a Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules.
Res Judicata in Philippine Property Disputes: Preventing Endless Litigation
When can a co-owner file ejectment alone? The Supreme Court clarifies Article 487 and the rules on indispensable parties.
Can One Co-Owner File an Ejectment Case in the Philippines? Yes, Under Article 487
A single co-owner can file an ejectment suit without the others. The Supreme Court explains how Article 487 of the Civil Code works.
Upholding Notarized Deeds: Why Mere Denial Isnt Enough in Philippine Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a notarized deed of sale cannot be overturned by a seller's bare denial, explaining the burden of proof in property disputes.
When Certifying Completion: Public Official Liability for Inaccurate Certifications
A provincial treasurer certified PSB projects as 100% complete when they were not. The Supreme Court explains when officials face liability.
Single Act, Multiple Charges: Duplicity and Double Jeopardy in Philippine Environmental Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that one act can violate several environmental laws without violating double jeopardy protections.
Fiscal Autonomy of Constitutional Agencies: Full Release of Appropriations Mandatory
The Supreme Court affirms that fiscal autonomy requires automatic and full release of appropriations to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.
Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines: Automatic Release of Funds for Constitutional Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy requires full, automatic release of funds to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.
Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines: What the CSC v. DBM Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy for constitutional bodies means full, automatic release of appropriations—not subject to DBM cash management policies.
Clerk of Court Negligence Consequences and Due Diligence in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on the consequences of a clerk of court's negligence in transmitting case records and the duty of due diligence.
Invalid Lease Agreements: Why Ownership Trumps Unauthorized Contracts in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void leases, unauthorized lessors, and why ownership rights prevail in property disputes.