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.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Valuing Land Beyond BIR Zonal Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that BIR zonal values are mere guides, not binding limits, in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Right of Way vs Just Compensation: Property Disputes in Infrastructure Projects
When government projects use private land, a pre-existing right of way can bar compensation claims. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Forcible Abduction Is Absorbed by Rape: Key Ruling on Complex Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when forcible abduction with rape is actually simple rape, and explains the governing rules on victim testimony and damages.
Expropriation and Capital Gains Tax: Who Pays When Government Takes Property?
Supreme Court rules property owners, not the government, pay capital gains tax in expropriation cases. Learn the tax implications.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upholding Independence in Graft Case Investigations
SC rules on Ombudsman's discretion in graft investigations, affirming independence and expertise in dismissing cases without grave abuse.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Protecting Children Under Philippine Law
Explaining statutory rape vs. acts of lasciviousness, and why an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
When Can Courts Interfere With Ombudsman Probable Cause Findings
The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial review over Ombudsman probable cause findings in anti-graft cases against public officers.
SALN Dishonesty and Concealed Assets: De Castro v. Field Investigation Office
Supreme Court ruling on SALN dishonesty, concealed assets in children's names, and why omission amounts to grave administrative offense.
Death of Accused Before Final Conviction Extinguishes Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto under Article 89 of the RPC.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and Moral Ascendancy in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how force, intimidation, and moral ascendancy satisfy the elements of rape under Philippine law.
Unexplained Wealth and SALN Dishonesty: When Assets in Children's Names Count
Explains when hidden assets in children's names count as SALN dishonesty and why grave misconduct requires a direct link to official duties.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force and Intimidation Defined in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies force and intimidation in rape cases, affirming a conviction and increasing damages awarded to the victim.
Tax Assumption vs. Tax Exemption: The Mitsubishi Ruling on Government-Promised Tax Relief
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government's promise to assume taxes binds the state—and when it doesn't—in this landmark Philippine tax case.
When a Judge Falls Short: Gross Immorality, Dismissal, and Bar Sanctions
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair, suspending him from law practice for three years.
When Social Media Abuse Raises the Penalty Under RA 9262 and the Cybercrime Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when using Facebook to commit psychological abuse triggers a higher penalty under RA 9262 and RA 10175.
Breach of Contract and Nominal Damages When Extraordinary Diligence Falls Short
When a shipper breaches a contract but the insurer fails to prove actual loss, the Supreme Court awards nominal damages instead.
Bank Liability for Counterfeit Currency: Due Diligence and Customer Protection
When a bank releases counterfeit foreign currency, when is it liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of diligence.
Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts: Police Power, Not Unconstitutional Taking
The Supreme Court upholds the 20% discount for senior citizens and PWDs as a valid exercise of police power, not an unconstitutional taking of property.
Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts: Police Power, Not Eminent Domain
The Supreme Court upheld the 20% senior citizen and PWD medicine discounts as a valid exercise of police power, not eminent domain requiring just compensation.
Upholding Land Ownership: Technicalities Yield to Substantive Rights in Property Disputes
SC rules procedural lapses cannot defeat a registered owner's right to recover property from tolerated occupants.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Courts Hold Individuals Accountable for Corporate Wrongdoing
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in California Manufacturing v. Advanced Technology System on when courts may pierce the corporate veil and apply legal compensation.
Negotiable Instruments and the Presumption of Delivery: Protecting Payees’ Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal for lack of cause of action requires trial, and that delivery of negotiable instruments is presumed under Section 16 of the NIL.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can Stockholders Be Held Liable for Corporate Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders of a close corporation are not automatically personally liable for corporate debts, explaining the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Stockholder’s Assets Answer for Corporate Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders are not automatically liable for corporate debts, even in close corporations, and explains when personal assets may be reached.