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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Private or Public? COA Audit Authority Over Animal Welfare Societies
When is a corporation created by special law a government entity subject to COA audit? The Supreme Court clarifies the test.
Diminished Will Mental Illness As A Mitigating Factor In Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mental illness reduces criminal liability but does not exempt an accused from guilt.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Collective Intent Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy and treachery from concerted acts, and the damages rules in murder convictions.
Partitioning Property Understanding Co-Ownership and Heirs' Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of inherited property, the role of registration, and heirs' rights in co-ownership disputes.
Beyond Sweetheart Defense: RA 7610 Protects Minors in Professor-Student Relationships
The Supreme Court ruled that a minor's consent is immaterial in child abuse cases under RA 7610, rejecting the sweetheart defense in professor-student relationships.
Irrevocability OF TAX Credit Options Understanding Restrictions ON Refunds
Estoppel IN Election Protests THE Impact OF Delayed Challenges TO Filing FEE Payments
Boundary Disputes Between Municipalities: Who Has Jurisdiction?
The Supreme Court clarifies which body—the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or the courts—has jurisdiction over municipal boundary disputes under the Local Government Code.
Protecting Children in Qualified Rape: When a Young Witness Takes the Stand
In People v. Balonzo, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's conviction for qualified rape, showing how courts weigh a child victim's testimony and proof of age.
Double Sale of Land: Priority of Registered Title in Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: who owns the property when the same parcel is sold twice.
Qualified Rape Conviction Upheld: Court Affirms Guilt Despite Minor Witness Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, ruling minor inconsistencies in a child witness's testimony do not create reasonable doubt.
RES Judicata Preventing Repeated Litigation IN Foreclosure Cases
Burden of Proof in Compensation Claims: Establishing Work Relatedness of Non-Occupational Diseases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on proving work-relatedness for non-occupational diseases in SSS compensation claims under PD 626.
Can Public Officials Evade Administrative Charges by Resigning? SC Says No
The Supreme Court rules that resignation or separation from service does not shield public officials from administrative liability for acts committed while in office.
Judicial Clemency: Balancing Integrity and Second Chances in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court grants judicial clemency to Judge Diaz, setting guidelines that balance judicial integrity with opportunities for reformation.
Behest Loans and Prescription: Timelines for Prosecuting Corrupt Practices in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription begins for behest loan cases under RA 3019, and when courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
Sheriffs’ Misconduct Enforcing Writs With Due Diligence and Respect for Court Orders
When sheriffs overstep in enforcing writs, they face administrative liability. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the standard of care and deference required.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When the Owner Answers for the Driver's Negligence
Learn when a vehicle owner is liable for the driver's negligence under Philippine quasi-delict law, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Liability FOR Illegal Recruitment THE Boundaries OF Corporate Complicity
Provocation vs Aggression: Distinguishing Mitigating Circumstances in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a victim's act may not be unlawful aggression for self-defense but can still be sufficient provocation to mitigate homicide.
Dacion en Pago: When It Extinguishes a Loan and When It Does Not
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dacion en pago extinguishes a debt, and when a promissory note liability survives.
Intrafamilial Rape and the Erosion of Parental Authority: Lessons from People v. Ceballos Jr.
The Supreme Court affirms that a father's grave abuse of authority in raping his daughters erodes parental trust and warrants the heaviest penalties.
Choosing the Right Appeal Route: Lessons from Taguinod v. Court of Appeals
A 2007 Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies appeal routes and the burden of proof in agrarian reform cases involving homestead patents.
Territorial Disputes and Preliminary Injunctions: When a Writ Is Not Functus Officio
A preliminary injunction over disputed territory is not functus officio merely because a party later amends its answer. The Supreme Court explains the law-of-the-case doctrine.