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.
Probate Proceedings and Testamentary Provisions: Balancing Testator Intent with Statutory Limits
A Supreme Court ruling on enforcing a testator's 20-year non-partition directive, balancing testamentary intent against Civil Code limits on indivision.
Reconveyance vs Quieting of Title: When Co-Owner Claims Do Not Prescribe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an action for reconveyance is imprescriptible, treating it as a suit to quiet title when the claimant remains in possession.
Employer Liability in Criminal Cases: When Civil Liability Is Only Subsidiary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are subsidiarily liable for employee crimes, distinguishing quasi-delict from criminal civil liability.
When Public Officials Face Personal Liability for Official Acts
Supreme Court clarifies when school officials may be personally sued for damages and why exhaustion of administrative remedies does not apply.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Primacy of the Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining why a credible victim's testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies and medical report details.
Upholding Authority When A Teachers Defense Leads TO Direct Assault Conviction
Teacher's conviction for direct assault upheld by Supreme Court; defending a child does not justify attacking a fellow teacher in authority.
Protecting Minors: Conviction for Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Affirmed
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors, clarifying key legal principles on carnal knowledge and penalties.
Federation Employee Eligibility Navigating Union Governance AND Election Rules
Supreme Court ruling on federation employees running for union office, election jurisdiction, and the binding force of constitutions.
Demand Is Key to Rescission Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that demand is essential before rescission or foreclosure rights can be exercised under contract law.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor lapses in Section 21 custody procedures do not automatically invalidate drug seizures if evidentiary integrity is preserved.
When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
Illegal Dismissal, Retrenchment, and Redundancy: Key Rules from Lambert Pawnbrokers v. Binamira
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on retrenchment, redundancy, and corporate liability in illegal dismissal cases, and when damages apply.
Contract of Legal Services: When a Mayor's Authority Binds a Municipality
Supreme Court ruling on when a municipal mayor's contract binds the LGU, limits of Sangguniang Bayan authorization, and judgment on the pleadings.
Immediate Execution of Damages: Protecting Corporate Dissenting Stockholders' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that awards for exemplary damages and attorney's fees in intra-corporate disputes are not immediately executory pending appeal.
Upholding Government Authority When Public Interest Overrides Private Land Claims In Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on expropriation, public interest, and limits of private land claims against government authority.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Safeguards Against Unjustified Power Disconnection Protecting Consumer Rights
Learn how Philippine law protects consumers from unjustified power disconnection and what rights you have against utility providers.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Doubts on Victim's Behavior
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's initial inconsistent reports and lack of bruises do not negate the crime.
Protecting Minors: Why Anger or Resentment Cannot Justify Rape Accusations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape accusations against minors cannot be dismissed as products of anger or resentment, upholding conviction based on credible testimony.
Subrogation Rights Protecting Banks in Loan Agreement Reversals
When a bank pays another party's debt, legal subrogation may let it recover. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule.
Electricity Disconnection in the Philippines: When Can a Utility Cut Your Power?
Know your rights when a utility disconnects your electricity. Philippine law requires due process—here's what a utility must prove first.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Show Wage Compliance
In Dansart Security Force v. Bagoy, the Supreme Court ruled that employers bear the burden of proving payment of wages and monetary benefits to employees.
Eyewitness Credibility and Collective Liability in Criminal Conspiracy: Establishing Individual Guilt
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility and collective liability in criminal conspiracy cases, and what this means for individual guilt.
Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: When a Written Resignation Is Not Voluntary
When is a resignation letter not a true resignation? The Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal and employer liability.