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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Indefinite Suspension for Lawyer’s Gross Immoral Conduct: Zaguirre v. Castillo
The Supreme Court indefinitely suspends a lawyer for siring a child outside marriage and reneging on his sworn support, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold moral standards at all times.
Sheriffs Breach OF Duty Foreclosure Irregularities AND Grave Misconduct
Residential vs Agricultural Land: Resolving Land Use Classification and Tenant Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when land is residential and exempt from agrarian reform, plus the rules on irrevocable agency coupled with interest.
Statutory Rape Consent Irrelevant When Victim IS Underage
Impersonation in Civil Service Exams: CSC Jurisdiction and Due Process in Administrative Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on CSC jurisdiction over exam irregularities and due process in administrative cases involving impersonation.
Proving Victim’s Age in Rape Cases: When Death Penalty Fails
In People v. Virrey, the Supreme Court ruled that minority must be proven beyond reasonable doubt before the death penalty can be imposed in rape cases.
Court Raffle Irregularities: When Clerks and Judges Face Administrative Liability
Supreme Court clarifies liability for irregular case raffles: executive judges must personally conduct them, clerks must follow procedure.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: What Aguirre v. People Teaches About B.P. 22 Cases
A look at Aguirre v. People: how courts treat B.P. 22 violations, due process rights, and when fines replace imprisonment.
Statutory Rape: Why Consent Is Irrelevant When the Victim Is Under Twelve
Philippine law treats sex with a child under 12 as statutory rape—consent is immaterial. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Ablaneda.
Psychological Incapacity in Marriage: Defining Utter Insensitivity Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity requires grave, incurable personality disorders, not mere emotional immaturity or irresponsibility.
Statutory Rape Consenting Does NOT Matter When THE Victim IS Underage
Explaining why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape, and how Philippine courts distinguish attempted from consummated rape.
Sheriff's Misconduct in Property Seizure: The Limits of Execution and Abuse of Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's excessive levy, irregular auction sale, and abuse of authority in enforcing writs of execution.
When Sheriffs Overstep: Excessive Levy, Irregular Auction Sales, and Public Trust
A sheriff's excessive levy and irregular auction sale of levied property lead to suspension—what the rules require.
When Business Disputes Turn Deadly Examining Criminal Liability IN Contractual Conflicts
A sheriff's excessive levy and irregular auction in a rice dispute shows how execution of judgments can cross into misconduct.
Judicial Misconduct and Bail Irregularities: Safeguarding Due Process in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on undue delay and abuse of authority clarifies judicial duties and due process in Philippine courts.
Donation Inter Vivos vs Mortis Causa: Philippine Law on Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish donation inter vivos from mortis causa, and when donations become irrevocable.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Why Consent Does Not Matter When the Victim Is Under 12
Philippine law treats sexual intercourse with a child under 12 as statutory rape—consent is irrelevant. This case explains the rule.
Bouncing Checks Intent Is Irrelevant Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that under the Bouncing Checks Law, criminal intent and purpose are irrelevant. Issuing a bad check is malum prohibitum.
Upholding Justice When Procedural Technicalities Give Way to Substantial Rights
A party who participates in irregular trial proceedings without objection cannot later question them to escape an adverse ruling.
When a "Sale" Is Really an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Aguirre v. Tupas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is presumed an equitable mortgage under the Civil Code.
Ensuring Fair Elections: COMELEC's Authority to Suspend Proclamation Amid Voting Irregularities
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to suspend a mayor's proclamation when precincts fail to function, protecting voter enfranchisement.
Age of Consent in the Philippines: Why the Sweetheart Defense Fails in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape cases involving victims under 12, and why the sweetheart defense cannot defeat a prosecution.
Irresistible Force: When You Are Not Criminally Liable Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when acting under irresistible force or duress exempts a person from criminal liability, acquitting a tricycle driver of robbery with homicide.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Consent Is No Defense Under the Revised Penal Code
The Supreme Court explains why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape cases involving victims below 12 years old, citing the Alojado case.