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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When a Franchise Expires: Object of Sale and Royalty Fees Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue when the assigned franchise right expires, interpreting contract intent.
Doubt Benefits THE Accused Navigating THE Presumption OF Innocence IN Philippine LAW
Finality Prevails: Enforcing Judgments and Preventing Alterations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why final judgments are immutable and why execution must strictly follow the dispositive portion.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Civil Case Does Not Stop Criminal Prosecution
A pending civil action to nullify trust receipts is not a prejudicial question that bars criminal prosecution for estafa under Philippine law.
Robbery With Rape: How Intimidation Proves Lack of Consent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how intimidation, not physical force, suffices to prove lack of consent in robbery with rape cases.
Credibility of Rape Victims' Testimony: The Daughter-Father Exception in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on daughter's credible testimony against father, explaining why courts give greater weight to such accusations.
Acquiring Land Title Through Open and Continuous Possession: The Sodsod Case
Learn how 30 years of open, continuous possession can ripen into private ownership and a registrable land title under Philippine law.
Acquisitive Prescription: When Possession Becomes Ownership Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when possession ripens into ownership through acquisitive prescription, and why tax declarations alone do not prove title.
Vicarious Liability: Choosing Between Criminal and Civil Actions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employer can be held liable for employee negligence and the rule against double recovery.
Rape, Intimidation, and Resistance: What the Law Requires in the Philippines
Philippine law does not require "tenacious" resistance in rape. A knife threat is intimidation enough. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Victim Testimony and Prior Abuse Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, and prior sexual abuse as evidence.
Defining the Boundaries of Rape: Penetration vs Attempt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape is consummated versus merely attempted, requiring proof of penile entry into the labia.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Woman Deprived of Reason Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that sexual intercourse with a mentally retarded woman constitutes rape under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Testimony of Child Rape Victims in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the credible testimony of a mentally disabled minor, clarifying rules on evidence and procedure.
Step-Parent Rape and the Death Penalty: What Philippine Law Requires
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a stepfather who raped his 11-year-old stepdaughter, clarifying the rules on qualifying circumstances and damages.
Due Process Denied: The Importance of Hearing Notices in Default Orders Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders without hearing notices, and the duty of clerks of court in safeguarding due process.
When Defense Falters Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Philippine LAW
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how treachery elevates a killing to murder and why alibi fails without proof of physical impossibility.
Malicious Prosecution in Philippine Law: Probable Cause and Malice Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a failed criminal complaint becomes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of lack of probable cause and sinister motive.
Rape by Induction: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how a person who induces another to commit rape can be held liable as a principal by induction.
Can Foreigners Own Land in the Philippines? Donation vs. Inheritance Rules
Philippine law bars foreigners from owning land except by inheritance. Learn why a quitclaim deed to an American son failed as a donation.
Relocation vs Resignation: Employee Rights When a Business Transfers Under Philippine Law
When a company relocates, employees who refuse to transfer may still be entitled to separation pay under Philippine labor law.
Lease Renewal Clauses: Mutual Consent vs Unilateral Option Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lease renewal clause requires mutual consent rather than a unilateral lessee option, with practical guidance.
Incestuous Rape: When a Father's Betrayal Warrants the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his 12-year-old daughter, underscoring the gravity of incestuous rape under Philippine law.