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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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.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Consent and the Legal Threshold
How moral ascendancy replaces force in rape by a stepparent, and why proving the victim's age matters.
Concurrent Jurisdiction: The CSC's Role in Disciplining State University Personnel
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CSC shares original jurisdiction with state university boards of regents over administrative cases against school officials.
Taxation of Non-Profit Hospitals: Balancing Charity and Commerce in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals lose income tax exemption and pay the 10% preferential rate under the NIRC.
Parental Authority and Statutory Rape: A Father's Moral Influence as Force
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, holding that parental moral ascendancy substitutes for force in incestuous rape cases.
Breach of Contract When Failure to Pay Justifies Rescission Despite Concurrent Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to pay a guaranteed amount justifies rescission even if the other party also breached concurrent obligations.
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Understanding the Limits of Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
An acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts apply different standards of proof.
Breach of Trust: Examining Guilt in Step-Parent Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and threats establish intimidation in incestuous rape.
When an Agent Exceeds Authority: Surety Bonds and the Limits of Apparent Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is liable for an agent's unauthorized surety bond, and when third persons must verify authority.
When Dismissal of the Main Case Kills Injunctions and Triggers Forum Shopping
A preliminary injunction dies with the main case. Filing similar suits in different courts is forum shopping.
Parental Liability in Statutory Rape: Philippine Law and Child Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape by a parent, penalties under RA 9346, and damages awarded to minor victims.
Apparent Authority and Escalation Agreements in Construction Disputes: The Philippine Realty Case
When does a construction manager's signature bind the owner? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority and escalation agreements.
When Parental Authority Turns to Abuse: Examining the Crime of Qualified Statutory Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and qualified statutory rape, emphasizing the need for precise allegations in criminal informations.
Philippine Mining Rights: Securing Priority Through Timely Filing of Applications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mining rights priority: timely filing of applications determines preferential rights, not later registration.
Administrative Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Ombudsman, PAGC, and the CSC Appeal Route
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling clarifies concurrent jurisdiction among anti-graft bodies and why appeals must go to the CSC first.
Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation: Rape by a Parent in the Philippines
How Philippine courts treat a father's moral ascendancy as intimidation in incestuous rape, and why proof of minority matters.
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.
Bank Certification Letters Are Not Guarantees: Lessons from Bank of Commerce v. Goodman Fielder
When is a bank's certification letter a binding guaranty? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on apparent authority and contractual interpretation.
Conviction for a Different Crime: When Courts Can Convict You of an Uncharged Offense
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a conviction for an offense not charged in the Information is valid under the Rules of Court.
Regular Employment vs Apprenticeship: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when apprenticeship agreements cannot defeat regular employment status and workers' rights.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Parental Authority, Consent, and the Law
Understand how Philippine courts treat incestuous rape by a father, the role of moral ascendancy, and the penalties imposed.
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.
Preliminary Injunction and Possession Rights: Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank
When can a property owner be barred from collecting rentals? The Supreme Court explains the limits of ownership rights versus possession in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank.