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.
Indispensable Parties: Why Government Agencies Must Be Included in Correction of Public Record Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a correction of birth date ruling because government agencies were not impleaded as indispensable parties. Learn the rules.
Strict Compliance with Publication Rule Is Jurisdictional in Title Reconstitution
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with the 30-day publication requirement in reconstitution cases deprives courts of jurisdiction.
Self-Defense or Murder? The Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and a killing becomes murder, explaining unlawful aggression, treachery, and reasonable force.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between business closure and retrenchment under Philippine labor law, and when separation pay is required.
Upholding Prior Possession in Forcible Entry and the Burden of Proof in Property Disputes
Philippine Tourism Authority v. Sabandal-Herzenstiel clarifies prior possession and burden of proof in forcible entry cases.
Rape and Consent: Why Love Does Not Justify Sexual Assault in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that being sweethearts is not a license for non-consensual sex, upholding rape convictions and clarifying the sweetheart defense.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Resignation Does Not Preclude Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: resigning from government service does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty committed while in office.
Presidential Prerogative vs Artistic Integrity: The National Artist Awards Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to confer the Order of National Artists and its limits under Philippine law.
Breach of Trust Convicting a Father for the Qualified Rape of His Daughter
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape, explaining how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape.
Betrayal of Trust: Convicting a Father for the Rape of His Daughter in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape of his minor daughter, explaining the rules on credibility, force, and penalties.
Lawyer Disbarred for Deceitful Land Dealings and Misrepresenting Ownership
A lawyer was disbarred for selling land he did not own, misrepresenting himself as owner, and keeping the proceeds—a clear violation of professional ethics.
Simulated Sales: When Intent to Transfer Ownership Is Absent
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Formaran v. Ong as a guide.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Airline Breach of Contract of Carriage: Nominal Damages for Flight Disruptions
When do flight disruptions give rise to nominal damages? The Supreme Court clarifies airline and travel agent liability for breach of contract of carriage.
Judicial Ethics: Court Employee Cannot Buy Litigated Property
Court employees must avoid acquiring property in litigation, even outside their court's jurisdiction, to uphold judicial integrity.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When no eyewitness exists, circumstantial evidence can convict. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in People v. De la Cruz.
Probable Cause and Conflicting Testimonies in Rape and Illegal Detention Cases
When may courts override prosecutors on probable cause? The Supreme Court clarifies in a case of rape, illegal detention, and conflicting testimonies.
Upholding Dismissal for Dishonesty When Casino Employees Betray Public Trust
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers who declared void craps throws as good dice, defrauding the house.
Challenging Buy-Bust Operations: Upholding Regularity and Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buy-bust operations are valid, how to rebut the presumption of police regularity, and limits of drug paraphernalia liability.
Protecting Trademarks: Unauthorized Refilling Constitutes Infringement And Unfair Competition
Unauthorized refilling of LPG cylinders bearing registered trademarks is trademark infringement and unfair competition, the Supreme Court ruled.
Double Insurance Claims: When CBA Hospitalization Benefits Exclude Other Insurer Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether CBA hospitalization benefits can be claimed alongside other health insurance payments. Key ruling explained.
DARAB Jurisdiction and Land Sale Nullification: Key Lessons from a 2013 Ruling
When can the DARAB nullify a land sale? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of its jurisdiction in this 2013 ruling.
Defining Regular Employment Security Benefits FOR Seasonal Farm Workers IN THE Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal farm workers are regular employees entitled to SSS coverage and benefits under Philippine law.
Finality of Ombudsman Decisions: Limited Judicial Review in Administrative Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the proper remedy for appealing Ombudsman decisions and the limits of judicial review in administrative cases.