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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Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Bank Isn't Liable for a Foreclosed Firm's Debts
PNB acquired PASUMIL's foreclosed assets but wasn't liable for its debts. The Supreme Court explains when corporate veil piercing applies.
Rape and Defective Informations: Protecting the Rights of the Accused and the Victim
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Aquino on the sufficiency of rape informations and the rights of both the accused and the child victim.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Victim's Credibility Despite Absence of Physical Injuries
The Supreme Court affirmed a death sentence for qualified rape, ruling that a child victim's clear testimony and hymenal laceration outweigh the absence of external injuries.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Strict Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of land titles, emphasizing strict compliance with jurisdictional requirements under RA 26.
Kidnapping for Ransom: When Taking a Child Even Briefly Is a Capital Crime
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for kidnapping for ransom, clarifying that even brief detention of a minor for ransom constitutes the capital offense.
Preserving Possession Limits on Preliminary Injunctions in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions must preserve the status quo, not create new obligations like paying rent or transferring rental collection rights.
Preserving the Status Quo: Limits on Preliminary Injunctions and Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions must preserve the status quo, not create new obligations or transfer property rights.
Boundaries of Multiple Rape Charges: Clarity and Proof in Incestuous Assault Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when multiple rape charges stand, why exact dates aren't essential, and how age and relationship must be proven for qualified rape.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Does a Corporation Assume Another's Debt
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may be held liable for another company's debts, and when the corporate veil cannot be pierced.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim's Testimony Paramount in Rape Cases
In People v. Pagurayan, the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, ruling that a lone credible victim testimony can sustain a guilty verdict.
Kidnapping for Ransom: The State's Duty to Protect Children and Punish Abductors
In People v. Suriaga, the Supreme Court affirmed a death sentence for kidnapping a two-year-old for ransom, stressing that child victims trigger the harshest penalty.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Illegal Demotion and Due Process in Philippine Ports Authority Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that a government employee cannot be demoted without cause and due process, even amid reorganization.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Are Liable for Subsidiary Debts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate personality and hold parent companies liable for subsidiary debts.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Strict Compliance with Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with jurisdictional requirements in land title reconstitution, including notice, publication, and appeal periods.
Credibility in Rape Cases: The Weight of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a rape victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction, explained in plain language.
Due Process and Proper Notice in Government Appointments: The Monserate Case
The Supreme Court ruled that a government employee cannot be demoted without due process, including proper notice and hearing.
Rape and a Defective Information: How the Court Protected the Accused's Rights
In People v. Desuyo, the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua after the prosecution failed to prove the victim's age and filiation beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape and Defective Information: The Importance of Timely Objections and Evidentiary Standards in Qualified Rap
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on qualified rape, defective informations, timely objections, and evidentiary standards in child rape cases.
Defining Acts of Lasciviousness: Why Intent and Proof Matter in Sexual Abuse Cases
In a 2002 ruling, the Supreme Court downgraded rape charges to acts of lasciviousness after finding the evidence insufficient to prove carnal knowledge.
Residency Requirements for Elective Office: Domicile and the Electorate's Will
The Supreme Court clarifies residency rules for elective office, emphasizing actual residence and the electorate's will in disqualification cases.
Rape and Stepfather Relationship: When Death Penalty Applies in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a stepparent's rape of a minor warrants death penalty versus simple rape.
GSIS Employees Entitlement to Longevity Pay and Children's Allowance Amid Salary Standardization
Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS may increase non-integrated benefits like longevity pay and children's allowance after the Salary Standardization Law.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: When a Lawyer Can No Longer Contest a Decision
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's belated motion to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment and punishing defiance of court orders.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Voluntary Statements vs Custodial Interrogation
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a confession is admissible and when custodial interrogation rights apply, using a rape-homicide case.