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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Fake PNB Fixer Scheme
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months for misappropriating P60,000 from a client through false claims of bank connections.
Succession to Tenancy Rights: Surviving Spouse Takes Priority Under Agrarian Reform
When a tenant dies, who inherits the tenancy? The Supreme Court clarifies the order of preference under Section 9 of RA 3844.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Loan Restructuring Scheme
A lawyer's six-month suspension for misappropriating P60,000 in client funds and fabricating a PNB connection underscores ethical duties.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Use of Force in Philippine Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why a victim's testimony can stand even without physical injuries or fresh lacerations.
Self-Defense, Conspiracy, and Murder: Lessons from People v. Enfectana
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails, how conspiracy is proven, and what makes a killing treacherous murder.
Clerks of Court Cannot Expand Execution Orders: Limits on Ministerial Duty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a clerk of court exceeds ministerial duty by issuing an amended writ that varies a judgment.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Father Figure's Moral Ascendancy Equals Force and Intimidation
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a father figure's moral ascendancy over a minor victim substitutes for force and intimidation.
Clerks of Court Limits on Ministerial Duty and the Scope of Executory Writs
A clerk of court's duty to issue writs is ministerial, not judicial. Learn the limits from a 2002 Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Establishing Intent and Lack of Opportunity for Self-Defense
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, focusing on the victim's inability to defend and the attacker's deliberate method.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Unforeseen Attacks
When can treachery qualify a killing as murder? The Supreme Court explains the strict proof required for this aggravating circumstance.
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.
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.
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.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Illegal Demotion and Reinstatement Rights in the Philippine Ports Authority
SC ruling: a permanent appointee cannot be demoted without cause and due process; reinstatement and backpay differentials explained.
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.
The Unforgiving Reach of the Law: Protecting Children From Familial Abuse
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, holding that a credible victim's testimony alone suffices to convict, even without physical injuries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.