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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Novation Is Not a Get-Out-of-Jail Free Card: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when novation can extinguish criminal liability in estafa cases, and when it cannot.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Who Decides Homeowners Association Disputes? The HIGC and Intra-Corporate Jurisdiction
A look at a Supreme Court ruling clarifying that disputes within homeowners associations fall under HIGC jurisdiction, not the regular courts.
Defining Rape in the Philippines: Is Penetration Always Necessary?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration is not required for rape; mere touching of the labia by the male organ suffices.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: When Are Allowances Included?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when monthly allowances form part of the salary base for computing separation pay under the Labor Code.
When Allowances Count as Wages: Separation Pay Computation Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when allowances form part of wages for separation pay computation under Article 283 of the Labor Code.
Philippine Supreme Court on Default Orders: When a Late Answer Is Excusable
The Supreme Court explains when a party's failure to answer on time may be excused and how courts should liberally treat default orders.
Protecting the Accused: The Vital Searching Inquiry in Philippine Capital Offense Cases
A guilty plea in a capital case demands a searching inquiry. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Sevilleno.
Justice Delayed Justice Denied: Holding Judges Accountable for Court Inefficiency
A look at how the Supreme Court penalized a judge for gross inefficiency, ignorance of the law, and delay in resolving cases.
When Supervening Events Trump Dismissal: Due Process and Equity in Philippine Administrative Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events and equity can overturn an administrative dismissal despite valid due process.
Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Victim-Centric Approach
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a child's credible testimony, clarifying that an intact hymen does not negate rape.
Due Process in Agrarian Reform: Ensuring Fair Land Distribution in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that DAR must observe due process before issuing CLOAs, affirming that beneficiaries deserve notice and hearing.
Sheriffs Must Execute Court Decisions Without Delay: A Lesson from A.M. No. P-99-1297
A sheriff's ministerial duty to enforce final court judgments explained through a 1999 Supreme Court administrative case on dereliction of duty.
Philippine Energy Disputes: DOE vs ERB Jurisdiction Over Power Connections
The Supreme Court clarifies which agency—DOE or ERB—has jurisdiction over disputes involving direct power supply and disconnection in the Philippines.
Limits of Protest Striking Teachers and the Public Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on teacher strikes, free assembly limits, and public interest in education.
Due Process in Agrarian Reform: The Supreme Court on CLOA Issuance and Rightful Beneficiaries
The Supreme Court affirms that due process is indispensable in CLOA issuance, and explains when exhausting administrative remedies is not required.
Court Record Mishaps Upholding Diligence AND Accountability IN Philippine Courts
Supreme Court ruling on 1990 teachers' mass actions: strikes are not protected assembly, and back wages require exoneration.
Correcting Birth Certificate Errors in the Philippines: When Is a Summary Proceeding Enough?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Rule 108 summary proceedings can correct birth certificate errors versus when adversarial proceedings are required.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Consent Is No Defense Under the Revised Penal Code
The Supreme Court explains why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape cases involving victims below 12 years old, citing the Alojado case.
Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Chattel Mortgages: Rights and Limitations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on acceleration clauses in chattel mortgages, good faith, and damages for wrongful foreclosure.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, minor inconsistencies, and absence of injuries in incest cases.
Philippine Franchise TAX Local Governments Power TO TAX Businesses Despite Prior Exemptions
Supreme Court ruling on local government power to impose real property taxes, procedural requirements, and taxpayer remedies under the Local Government Code.
Holdover Principle Criminal Intent Key Lessons From Lecaroz v Sandiganbayan for Public Officials
The Supreme Court explains holdover doctrine and criminal intent in Lecaroz v Sandiganbayan, a landmark case for Philippine public officials.
When Self-Defense Fails: The Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and the limits of justifiable force in Philippine criminal law.