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.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Failure TO File AN Appeal Leads TO Dismissal
When failure to file an appeal brief leads to dismissal, the Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter and when they may be relaxed.
When Late Appeal Briefs Get Dismissed: Lessons from a Property Dispute
The Supreme Court explains when late filing of an appeal brief justifies dismissal, using a property dispute as a cautionary example.
Protecting Minors: Conviction for Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Affirmed
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors, clarifying key legal principles on carnal knowledge and penalties.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Primacy of the Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining why a credible victim's testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies and medical report details.
Upholding Ethical Standards Disciplining Court Personnel For Gross Discourtesy And Unprofessional Conduct
The Supreme Court disciplines a judge for simple misconduct, emphasizing that judges must avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities.
Freight Forwarder Liability and the $500 Package Limitation Rule in Shipping Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a freight forwarder becomes a common carrier and the COGSA package limitation rule.
Breach of Trust: When Banks Overstep Their Authority Over Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized deductions from depositor accounts and the fiduciary duty of banks.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Matters
The Supreme Court explains what prosecutors must prove to establish an unbroken chain of custody in drug cases under RA 9165.
When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
Immediate Execution of Damages: Protecting Corporate Dissenting Stockholders' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that awards for exemplary damages and attorney's fees in intra-corporate disputes are not immediately executory pending appeal.
Maritime Claims: Strict Interpretation of COGSA Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the one-year COGSA prescriptive period for maritime cargo claims, emphasizing strict timing rules.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court clarifies that a Torrens title gives the registered owner a better right to possession than an unregistered deed of sale.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Sale: Who Has Better Right to Possess Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a Torrens title prevails over an unregistered deed of sale in disputes over land possession.
Protecting Minors: Why Anger or Resentment Cannot Justify Rape Accusations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape accusations against minors cannot be dismissed as products of anger or resentment, upholding conviction based on credible testimony.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Doubts on Victim's Behavior
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's initial inconsistent reports and lack of bruises do not negate the crime.
Valid Warrantless Arrest Upholding Drug Conviction Based on In Flagrante Delicto
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction, ruling warrantless arrest valid when suspect caught in flagrante delicto exchanging shabu.
Decoding Independent Contractors When Control Determines Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer-employee relationship tests and the mandatory certificate of non-forum shopping in NLRC appeals.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: When Prosecution Appeals Are Barred
The Supreme Court explains when the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal and why certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy.
Subrogation Rights Protecting Banks in Loan Agreement Reversals
When a bank pays another party's debt, legal subrogation may let it recover. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule.
Defining the Lines: Independent Contractor vs Employee Status in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between independent contractors and employees, and the fatal consequences of procedural lapses in labor appeals.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Which Court Has Jurisdiction Over Property Disputes
Learn which court can cancel a notice of lis pendens in Philippine property disputes, based on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Show Wage Compliance
In Dansart Security Force v. Bagoy, the Supreme Court ruled that employers bear the burden of proving payment of wages and monetary benefits to employees.
Common Carrier Defined: Resort Ferry Service Under Passenger Safety Rules
Supreme Court ruling that resort ferry services are common carriers, bound by extraordinary diligence for passenger safety.