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.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injuries, Consent, and Intimidation Analyzed
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that lack of physical injuries and absence of resistance do not negate rape when intimidation is present.
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.
Royalty Payments After Franchise Expiration: When the Assigned Right Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue after the underlying franchise agreement expires and the assigned right ceases to exist.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Employer Employee Damage Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor arbiters, not regular courts, have exclusive jurisdiction over employer damage claims arising from employment.
When a Civil Case Does Not Stop a Criminal Estafa Charge: Trust Receipts Explained
A civil suit to nullify trust receipts does not automatically suspend criminal estafa proceedings. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Defining Jurisdiction: Courts vs Energy Regulatory Board in Overcharging Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that regular courts, not the ERB, hear disputes over electric overcharging and recovery of sums.
Second Marriages and Absent Spouses: Validity Under the Civil Code Explained
When a first spouse disappears, can a second marriage be valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Civil Code.
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.
Self-Defense and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Caverte
A look at how the Supreme Court applied self-defense, alibi, treachery, and conspiracy rules in People v. Caverte.
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.
Orchestrating Death: Conspiracy and Accountability in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how a hacienda overseer who ordered killings was held liable as a principal under conspiracy doctrine.
Reversion of Fraudulent Land Titles: The State's Right to Reclaim Public Property
The Supreme Court affirms the State's power to revert fraudulently acquired public land, even after the one-year indefeasibility period.
Protecting the Defenseless: Upholding Conviction for Child Rape Despite Claims of Unreliable Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child of tender years can be a credible witness, upholding a conviction for acts of lasciviousness against a minor.
Written Authority Required for Real Estate Agents: The City-Lite Realty Rule
Under Article 1874 of the Civil Code, an agent selling land must have written authority; otherwise, the sale is void. Learn the rules.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith Registration Is Key to Ownership
In a double sale of land, the buyer who registers first in good faith wins. Bad faith registration confers no ownership.
Wage Order Obligations: Contractor and Principal Liability in Security Service Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security agencies can recover wage order increases from principals under solidary liability rules.
Summary Procedure and Motions for Reconsideration: Scope of Prohibited Pleadings Clarified
A judge may validly act on a motion for reconsideration of a dismissal order in summary procedure cases, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Motion for Reconsideration Under Summary Procedure: The Lucas Doctrine
When can a litigant file a motion for reconsideration under summary procedure? The Supreme Court clarifies the exception for dismissal orders.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Law: The Ricafranca Case on Unlicensed Firearms
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, conspiracy, and the effect of R.A. 8294 on murder committed with unlicensed firearms.
Habeas Corpus and Drug Offenses: Ensuring Fair Application of Penalties
A look at how the Supreme Court used habeas corpus to correct an excessive penalty for a minor drug offense.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
Fake Lawyer Defense: When an Impostor Can Void a Criminal Conviction in the Philippines
Convictions can be overturned when the accused was represented by a non-lawyer. Learn the rules and how to verify counsel credentials.
Inconsistent Testimony in Rape Cases: How Reasonable Doubt Leads to Acquittal
How inconsistent testimony and lack of corroborating evidence created reasonable doubt, leading to acquittal in a Philippine rape case.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: People v. Macosta
How Philippine courts weigh victim testimony in rape cases, explained through People v. Macosta and related jurisprudence.