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.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Deadly Weapon in Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling credible victim testimony suffices and a proven knife threat justifies exemplary damages.
Agency and Mortgage Law: When an Agent’s Signature Does Not Bind the Principal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an authorized agent’s mortgage signature binds only the agent, not the principal, and the role of laches.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without A License Hlurb Authority AND Criminal Liability Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime, and a later license does not erase liability.
Step Parent Rape Upholding THE Testimony OF A Child Victim
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on the credible testimony of the victim, rejecting the sweetheart defense.
Waiver by Acquiescence: The Perils of Delay in Lease Agreement Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failing to promptly contest a lease violation can waive contractual rights — a cautionary tale for landlords and tenants.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credible Testimony and the Sweetheart Defense
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony outweighs the sweetheart defense in Philippine criminal law.
The Devil in the Details: Upholding Conviction Despite Flaw in Rape Information
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction but reduces penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to allege relationship within the third civil degree.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, rejecting the sweetheart defense and clarifying that love is not a license for non-consensual sex.
Retrenchment and Proof of Financial Losses: Safeguarding Employee Rights in Business Downturns
When can a company validly retrench workers? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proving business losses.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice Is Key in Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on tenant redemption rights under RA 3844 and the importance of written notice in agrarian reform cases.
Marital Rape: Spousal Consent Is Not a Defense to Rape in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that marriage is no defense to rape, convicting a stepfather of two counts of rape against his minor stepdaughter.
Forum Shopping Rule: Defective Certification Dooms Appeal Before HLURB
A defective certification against forum shopping can prevent an appeal from being perfected, making the original decision final and executory.
Double Dipping Denied: Separation Pay vs Retirement Benefits in Government Restructuring
Supreme Court rules NPC employees who received separation pay under EPIRA cannot also claim retirement benefits under CA 186, as amended.
When Is a Consignee Liable for Freight? The MOF v. Shin Yang Rule
A consignee named in a bill of lading is not automatically liable for freight charges. The Supreme Court explains when liability attaches.
Retroactivity of Laws and Vested Rights in Bank Liquidation: PDIC v. Stockholders of Intercity Bank
When can a new law apply to an ongoing bank liquidation? The Supreme Court explains the rule on retroactivity and vested rights.
When Deceit and Misappropriation Tarnish Legal Practice: A Case on Attorney Disbarment
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who deceive clients and mishandle funds, and what this means for ethical practice.
Untangling Rescission: Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for rescission of a sale starts, using the Quirong v. DBP case.
Contempt of the COMELEC: The Scope of Its Quasi-Judicial Power Explained
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to cite for contempt even when acting through fact-finding task forces, clarifying the scope of its quasi-judicial authority.
Presidential Warranties vs. State Sovereignty: The PICOP Timber License Case
The Supreme Court ruled presidential warranties on timber licenses are not contracts, and state sovereignty over natural resources prevails.
Parol Evidence Rule and Commitment Fees: Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank
When a written contract is clear, courts will not look beyond its four corners. The parol evidence rule explained.
Illegal Dismissal, Retirement Age, and Employee Benefits: Key Lessons from Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on constructive dismissal, optional retirement, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in this Philippine labor case.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Court Upholds Conviction and Justice
The Supreme Court affirms the rape conviction of a man who sexually assaulted a mentally retarded woman, clarifying the rules on consent, evidence, and penalties.
Liberty vs Military Authority: Balancing Rights in the Philippine Armed Forces
Supreme Court ruling on a general's preventive suspension and arrest, clarifying due process and injunctive relief in military discipline cases.
Easement of Right of Way: Actual Knowledge Binds Even Without Registration
A registered owner cannot ignore an existing right of way he knows about, even if the easement is not annotated on the title.