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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Diplomatic Immunity vs Defamation: The Liang Case and Limits of Official Acts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ADB staff immunity, defamation, and why diplomatic immunity is not absolute for criminal acts.
Execution Pending Appeal: Financial Distress Alone Is Not a Good Reason
The Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's financial distress is not, by itself, a "good reason" for execution pending appeal.
When a "Sale" Is Really an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Aguirre v. Tupas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is presumed an equitable mortgage under the Civil Code.
Official Immunity vs Individual Accountability: Limits of Protection in Defamation Cases
When does diplomatic or organizational immunity shield a person from criminal defamation? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries.
Exit Polls and Free Expression: The ABS-CBN v. Comelec Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that Comelec cannot totally ban exit polls, as they are protected by freedom of speech and of the press.
Official Duty vs Personal Liability: Defining Immunity in Defamation Cases
Can a diplomat or international organization worker claim immunity for defamation? The Supreme Court clarifies when official duty ends and personal liability begins.
Judicial Employees and Immorality: Ethics Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses two court employees for illicit affair, reaffirming high moral standards for judiciary personnel.
Torrens System vs Fraudulent Land Titles: Priority of Registration Determines Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court rules that earlier registered titles prevail over later ones, even if both cover the same land. Learn the key principles.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Intent and Deprivation of Liberty Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what proves intent and deprivation of liberty in kidnapping-for-ransom cases involving minors.
Prior Title Prevails: Resolving Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines
When two Torrens titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. Learn the rules from the Supreme Court's ruling in Liao.
Redundancy vs Due Process: When a Layoff Isn't Always Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to give 30-day notice doesn't make a valid redundancy layoff illegal—but backwages may still be owed.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Corporation Be Held Accountable for Its Affiliates' Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may disregard the separate legal personality of corporations and hold them liable for affiliates' actions.
Judicial Overreach Limits on Municipal Courts Issuing Hold Departure Orders
The Supreme Court reprimands a municipal trial court judge for issuing a hold departure order beyond his court's authority, clarifying limits under Circular 39-97.
Unregistered Stock Transfers: Creditors' Rights vs. Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered stock transfers and their effect on creditors' rights to levy shares.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Proclamation Disputes: The Importance of Notice and Hearing
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in election contests, emphasizing notice and hearing before proclamation.
Hold Departure Orders: Why Only Regional Trial Courts May Issue Them
A Supreme Court ruling reprimanding a judge clarifies that only Regional Trial Courts may issue hold departure orders in criminal cases.
Rape Conviction Upheld Even Partial Penetration Constitutes Rape Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that partial penetration—touching the labia—is enough to consummate rape.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Disputes: The Limits of COMELEC's Power
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the boundaries of COMELEC's authority in election contests, ensuring due process.
Tourist Duty Free Shops v. Sandiganbayan: Limits of PCGG Sequestration and Litis Pendentia
The Supreme Court clarifies when litis pendentia applies and the limits of PCGG sequestration powers over corporations.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: The Napolcom Commissioners Case
When Congress declared Napolcom commissioners' terms expired, the Supreme Court struck it down as a violation of security of tenure.
Negligence Liability of Cargo Surveyors: Duty of Care in Handling Liquid Bulk Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surveyor negligence in liquid cargo discharge, explaining the standard of care and liability for unsupervised pumping operations.
Judges Cannot Use Staff Inefficiency as Shield for Neglect of Duty
A judge's three-year delay in transmitting appeal records drew a fine from the Supreme Court, which ruled that judges cannot blame staff inefficiency.
No Work, No Pay: Defying a Lawful Transfer Order Justifies Wage Denial
Employees who defy a lawful transfer order cannot claim wages under the "no work, no pay" principle, as the Supreme Court ruled in AKELCO v. NLRC.
Gunpowder Residue and Witness Credibility: Evaluating Evidence in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, conspiracy, and treachery in murder convictions, explained through a 2000 Supreme Court ruling.