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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Parental Authority vs Incest: Upholding Conviction in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of father, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and resistance in incestuous rape.
Higher Standard of Care for Gun Store Owners: Pacis v. Morales
Gun store owners owe a higher duty of care. The Supreme Court explains liability for accidental shootings under quasi-delict rules.
When Lawyers' Lives Lack Integrity: Disbarment for Gross Immorality and Multiple Marriages
The Supreme Court disbarred two lawyers for gross immorality involving bigamous marriages and illicit affairs, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for lawyers.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: The Duty of Care and Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and the duty of a mother's live-in partner.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended from Law Practice for Marital Infidelity and Abandonment
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Supreme Court Disciplines Judge for Extramarital Affair: Dismissal and Three-Year Suspension
SC dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality in Landmark Administrative Case
Supreme Court dismisses judge for extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice for three years.
When a Judge's Private Misconduct Ends a Public Career: Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after an extramarital affair, showing that private conduct can end a judicial career.
Court Personnel and Immoral Conduct: When Private Acts Become Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how court employees' private immoral conduct can lead to administrative sanctions and suspension.
Probate Appeals and Executor Disqualification: Lessons from the Marcos Estate Case
The Supreme Court clarifies appeal rules in probate cases and when a criminal conviction disqualifies an executor for moral turpitude.
Strict Deadlines for Appeal Memoranda: Mejillano v. Lucillo and the Limits of Liberal Construction
The Supreme Court in Mejillano v. Lucillo affirms that failure to file an appeal memorandum on time is fatal, even where the appellant pleads ignorance or counsel's death.
Appeal Memorandum Deadlines: Why Missing Them Can Cost Your Case
Missing the 15-day appeal memorandum deadline can end your appeal. Learn the strict rules and what the Supreme Court says about excuses.
Supreme Court Dismisses Judge for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Filing a Baseless Suit Does Not Automatically Mean Paying Damages: Delos Santos v. Papa
The Supreme Court clarifies that losing a lawsuit does not automatically entitle the winning party to moral and exemplary damages.
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: The Teves Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a conviction for a prohibited interest involves moral turpitude, using the Teves cockpit case as guide.
OFW Death Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers and Ensuring Accountability
Supreme Court ruling holds recruitment agencies solidarily liable for OFW deaths, imposing moral and exemplary damages for abandoning workers in distress.
Deceptive Recruitment: When Promises of Overseas Jobs Lead to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court holds recruitment agencies liable for moral damages when they abandon distressed OFWs and make baseless claims of suicide.
When Attorney Negligence Binds the Client: Appeal Deadlines and the Limits of Leniency
A missed appeal memorandum deadline cost respondents their case. The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds the client and when exceptions apply.
Rape and Moral Ascendancy: When the Sweetheart Defense Fails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape, moral ascendancy of a live-in partner, and the limits of the sweetheart defense.
Incestuous Rape: Delay in Reporting and the Moral Ascendancy of the Abuser
The Supreme Court clarifies when a father's lewd acts on his sleeping daughter constitute acts of lasciviousness, not RA 7610 violations.
SEC Memorandum Circulars: Publication and Filing Required for Effectivity
Supreme Court rules SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 1994 invalid for lack of publication and filing, affecting filing fee assessments.
Adultery and Public Service: Proving Immorality Beyond Suspicion in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on immorality cases against court employees: the need for competent evidence and the limits of double jeopardy in administrative proceedings.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Outside Wedlock
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Judicial Ethics, Extra-Marital Affairs, and the Standard of Moral Decency for Judges
The Supreme Court holds judges to exacting moral standards, ruling that even a non-physical romantic relationship with another woman constitutes immorality.