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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Balancing Company Rules and Employee Rights: The Doctrine of Proportionate Penalty in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When does a company rule violation justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of proportionate penalty in illegal dismissal cases.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person and the Extent of Legal Safeguards
In People v. Rosales, the Supreme Court affirmed that knowledge of a victim's mental disability makes rape a qualified offense, raising the penalty and damages.
Sheriffs' Misconduct Over Levied Vehicle: Grave Abuse of Public Trust
When sheriffs used a levied vehicle for personal errands and lost it, the Supreme Court imposed the ultimate administrative penalty.
Teacher Discipline and Due Process: Grave Misconduct in Philippine Schools
A teacher's physical punishment of a student constitutes grave misconduct, but mitigating factors can temper the penalty of dismissal.
Habeas Corpus and Libel: Limits of Retroactive Application of Favorable Penalties
When can a convict seek habeas corpus and demand retroactive application of a favorable penalty rule? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Parental Incest and Rape Law in the Philippines: The Buado Case
How Philippine courts handle incestuous rape by a parent, the proof of minority required, and the effect of the death penalty abolition.
Misrepresenting Relationship in Rape Cases: Effect on Conviction and Penalty
A rape conviction can be downgraded from qualified to simple rape if the information misstates the accused's relationship to the victim, affecting the penalty.
Psychological Abuse via Facebook Conviction Upheld with Higher Cybercrime Penalty
Supreme Court affirms conviction for psychological abuse via Facebook posts, imposing higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Parent Convicted of Qualified Rape of Minor Daughter: Supreme Court Affirms
Supreme Court affirms conviction of father for qualified rape of his minor daughter, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua under RA 9346.
When Is a Nurse's Negligence Serious Misconduct? The Medical Center Manila Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a nurse's lapse amounts to gross negligence justifying dismissal, and when suspension is the proper penalty.
Rape Conviction on Credible Testimony: Proving Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible testimony, proving qualifying circumstances, and the effect of R.A. 9346 on the death penalty.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Rape and Parental Betrayal in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 11-year-old daughter is qualified rape. The Supreme Court explains the rules on incestuous rape, penalty, and damages.
Reclusion Perpetua and the Element of Intent in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, the weak defense of alibi, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua without parole.
Stop and Frisk in the Philippines: When Suspicion Justifies a Warrantless Search
The Supreme Court explains when a stop-and-frisk search is valid, the limits of police suspicion, and the penalty for possessing small amounts of shabu.
Rape and the Qualifying Circumstance of Relationship: Proper Allegation for Death Penalty
In People v. Aguilar, the Supreme Court lowered a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the alleged relationship differed from the one proven.
Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse: Contempt Penalties for Lower Courts
A judge fined P25,000 for gross ignorance after imposing a 4-month contempt penalty allowed only for a higher court. Know the limits.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms: Defining Murder and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, surprise shooting amounts to treachery for murder, and why using an unlicensed firearm can raise the penalty.
Illegal Dismissal and Serious Misconduct as Just Cause for Termination
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when misconduct justifies dismissal, why the penalty must fit the offense, and how employers must prove a valid termination.
Truth in Lending Disclosure in Promissory Note Valid for Penalty Charges
Supreme Court rules penalty charges disclosed in promissory note satisfy Truth in Lending Act, but courts may reduce unconscionable rates.
The Devil in the Details: Upholding Conviction Despite Flaw in Rape Information
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction but reduces penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to allege relationship within the third civil degree.
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.
Rape and Parental Betrayal: Proving Minority and Relationship in Qualified Rape Cases
A father convicted of raping his daughter escapes the death penalty because the prosecution failed to prove her minority by independent evidence.
Supreme Court Cuts Credit Card Interest to 2% Monthly as Unconscionable
The Supreme Court reduced BPI's 3% monthly credit card interest and penalty to 2%, citing unconscionable rates.
Credit Card Interest Rates: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection in the Philippines
The Supreme Court limits credit card interest and penalty rates to 2% monthly, balancing lender rights with borrower protection.