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 "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.
Life Insurance Contracts: When Does an Application Become a Binding Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a life insurance application becomes a binding contract, using Perez v. BF Lifeman as guide.
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Rape Conviction: Credibility of Testimony and the Nuances of Penetration
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, clarifies penetration nuances, and adjusts penalties and damages.
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.
Police Power and Civilian Employees: Defining Authority Within the PNP
Supreme Court ruling on NAPOLCOM Resolution 93-032: civilian PNP employees cannot exercise police powers reserved for uniformed personnel.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tenant Rights Prevail: Security of Tenure and Agrarian Reform in Greenfield v. Cardama
The Supreme Court affirms that agricultural tenants enjoy security of tenure and cannot be summarily dispossessed, reinforcing CARP beneficiary rights.
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.
Tenant Rights Prevail: Security of Tenure in Agrarian Reform Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that agricultural lessees retain security of tenure under CARL, even when landowners claim conversion or termination of lease.
Tenant or Overseer: Proving Land Rights in Philippine Agrarian Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine agricultural tenancy versus overseer status, affecting a tenant's right to redeem land sold without notice.