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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
VAWC Act Applies to Lesbian Relationships: Women Can Be Held Liable as Offenders
The Supreme Court confirms that RA 9262 covers violence by a woman against her female partner, protecting all women from intimate partner abuse.
Rape Convictions and the Burden of Proving Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like relationship must be alleged and proven beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding Consent and the Role of Minority
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape becomes qualified and how minority and relationship must be alleged and proven in Philippine criminal cases.
When "Or" Creates Uncertainty: The Perils of Imprecise Language in Qualified Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that an Information charging qualified rape must precisely allege the qualifying relationship—not state it in the alternative using raped a 16-year-old victim.
Proving Employer-Employee Relationship in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A look at Sermona v. Hacienda Lumboy and the rules on proving employer-employee relationships in illegal dismissal cases in the Philippines.
RA 9262 Protects Women in Same-Sex Relationships: Jacinto v. Fouts Explained
The Supreme Court confirms RA 9262 applies to lesbian relationships, ensuring women in same-sex partnerships receive equal protection from intimate partner violence.
Unmarried Cohabitation Establishing Property Rights In Long Term Illicit Relationships
The Supreme Court ruled that long-term illicit cohabitation can establish co-ownership rights under Article 148 of the Family Code.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Proving the Employer-Employee Relationship
In illegal dismissal cases, the employee must first prove the employer-employee relationship. G.R. No. 244206 clarifies this burden.
Notarial Disqualifications Familial Relationships AND Contractual Principals
A notary cannot notarize a deed where a relative within the fourth civil degree is a party—even if that relative did not sign.
Qualified Rape and the Uncle Relationship: When an Information Need Not State "Third Civil Degree"
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Information sufficiently alleges the qualifying circumstance of relationship in qualified rape cases involving an uncle.
Qualifying Circumstances in Rape: Proving the Victim's Minority and Relationship
The Supreme Court clarifies how the prosecution may prove a rape victim's minority and relationship, and when a conviction may be upgraded to qualified statutory rape.
Determining Employer-Employee Relationship: The Indispensability of a Worker's Role in Business Operations
When does a worker become a regular employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the test under Article 295 of the Labor Code.
Gross Immorality and Disbarment: When a Lawyer's Personal Conduct Crosses the Line
When does a lawyer's private relationship become gross immorality warranting disbarment? The Supreme Court explains in Hosoya v. Contado.
Religious Ministers as SSS Employees: The Salvation Army Case Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that religious ministers can be employees under SSS law, settling the employer-employee relationship question.
When Lawyer Silence Becomes Negligence: The Duty to Communicate with Clients
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer-client relationship can exist without a written contract, and silence can amount to professional negligence.
Understanding Parricide Convictions Key Insights From A Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when parricide applies, explaining the legal relationship requirement and the importance of proving the offender's knowledge of the victim's status.
Understanding Gross Immorality When Personal Conduct Leads to Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer-judge for continuing an illicit relationship despite prior warning. Learn the rules on gross immorality.
Lawyer-Client Relationship and Professional Ethics: Lessons from Zamora v. Gallanosa
When does a lawyer-client relationship begin, and what happens when a lawyer abandons a case? The Supreme Court clarifies in Zamora v. Gallanosa.
Tenant Rights and Land Ownership: When Invalid Tenancy Agreements Fail in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when tenancy agreements with non-owners fail, and why security of tenure requires a valid landowner-tenant relationship.
Relationship as Qualifying Circumstance in Rape: Why Precise Allegations Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies that "stepfather" and "common-law spouse" are distinct terms in rape cases, and qualifying circumstances must be alleged and proven.
Understanding Attorney Negligence Duties and Consequences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies a lawyer's duty of diligence, when accepting fees creates an attorney-client relationship, and the penalties for neglect.
Qualifying Circumstances in Rape: When Minority and Relationship Raise the Penalty
The Supreme Court explains when rape is qualified by minority and relationship, and the damages a convicted offender must pay.
Investment House Liable to Investor for Money Market Placement Default
Supreme Court holds investment house liable to investor for defaulted money market placement, clarifying lender-borrower relationship and damages.
Regular Employment vs Contractual Work: Defining Employer-Employee Relationships in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine regular employment, labor-only contracting, and employer liability using the Coca-Cola bottlers case.