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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Just Compensation Under RA 6657: What Landowners Should Know About Agrarian Reform Valuation
Supreme Court clarifies when RA 6657 governs agrarian reform land valuation instead of PD 27 and EO 228, and how just compensation is determined.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression for Justification
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense claims, focusing on the indispensable element of unlawful aggression, from People v. Aburque.
SK Candidates and Political Dynasties: What the Calubag Ruling Means
The Supreme Court affirms cancellation of an SK chairperson's COC for misrepresentation under the anti-dynasty rule.
When Silence Speaks: Convicting on a Child's Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases
In People v. Peralta, the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based mainly on the child victim's testimony, showing how courts weigh credibility in rape cases.
Privatization vs Pending Disciplinary Actions: Navigating Jurisdiction in Employee Cases
When a government bank turns private, does the CSC lose jurisdiction over pending employee disciplinary appeals? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Residency Requirements for Philippine Elections: Establishing Domicile for Candidacy
Philippine election law equates residency with domicile. Learn the three rules and what it takes to change domicile for candidacy.
Search Warrants Beyond Territorial Limits: Executive Judge Authority in Drug Cases
When can a Manila judge issue a search warrant for a house in Pampanga? The Supreme Court explains executive judge authority in drug cases.
Protecting Marital Property: The Necessity of Spousal Consent in Property Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court protects conjugal property from unauthorized sales by one spouse, and why buyers must verify spousal consent.
Protecting Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Mortgage AND Foreclosure Restrictions
Buy-Bust Operations: Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish entrapment from instigation in buy-bust operations, and why the distinction determines the validity of drug arrests.
Protecting the Innocent: The Vital Role of Testimony and Medical Evidence in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction, explaining how a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings secure justice.
When Property Titles Arent Always What They Seem Understanding Encumbrances AND Conditional Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a reconveyance claim prescribes, distinguishing fraud from intimidation, and the importance of due process in property disputes.
Mortgage Rights Prevail: Protecting Secured Creditors in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on secured creditors' mortgage rights versus labor judgment execution, and the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
Prescription in Reconveyance: Clarifying the Four-Year Rule for Actions Based on Threat and Intimidation
The Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period runs in reconveyance actions based on threat and intimidation, not fraud.
Consent Under Threat: Rape, Recantation, and Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape, consent, and recantation in People v. Peralta, affirming conviction and damages.
Residency Rules in Election Law: Limbona v. Comelec on Disqualification
A look at Limbona v. Comelec on one-year residency, domicile rules, and finality of disqualification rulings.
Safeguarding Election Integrity and Due Process in COMELEC's Ballot Appreciation
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC's internal ballot appreciation requires notice and how due process applies in election contests.
Bereavement Leave and Death Benefits: Protecting Employees' Rights in Times of Loss
The Supreme Court ruled that bereavement leave and death benefits under a CBA cover the death of an unborn child. Learn the legal basis.
Air Carrier Breach of Contract: Damages and Interest in Air Travel Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest runs on damages awarded in air carrier breach of contract cases.
Father’s Conviction for Rape: Death Penalty Reduced to Reclusion Perpetua
Supreme Court affirms father’s rape conviction but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information omitted the victim’s age.
When Love Fades Psychological Incapacity VS Marital Disaffection IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's emotional distance is psychological incapacity under Article 36, and when it is simply a failed marriage.
Accountability Prevails Establishing Guilt AND Consequences IN Group Violence
Optional Retirement: When Employer Discretion Prevails Over Employee Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that optional retirement benefits under a company gratuity plan remain subject to employer discretion, not a matter of right.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects property rights in eminent domain cases, and why just compensation must follow legal procedures.