In-Depth Legal Commentaries, Updates, and Insights
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An occupancy permit from the government trumps prior physical possession of public land. This highlights the need to secure proper authorization for land use.
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Signing a deed of suretyship creates personal liability, even for corporate officers. Failure to contest a document’s genuineness in court admits its validity.
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A registered deed of sale can be deemed a trust if evidence shows that the transfer was not intended as absolute. This impacts inheritance rights, ensuring equitable distribution based on the true intent of the parties.
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The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, emphasizing that a victim’s credible testimony is sufficient, even with an intact hymen. This ruling underscores the primacy of victim accounts in sexual assault cases.
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Laches cannot override statutory prescription periods in contract law. Claims filed within the legal deadline are valid, regardless of delay unless proven highly inequitable.
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A Clerk of Court forfeited retirement benefits and was barred from government employment for misusing official receipts in private transactions. This case reinforces the necessity of integrity in public service.
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The Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of a judge for granting bail without a hearing and prematurely rendering judgment. This underscores the critical importance of due process and adherence to procedural rules in judicial proceedings.
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The Supreme Court ruled that using an unlicensed firearm in a crime is an aggravating circumstance, not a separate offense, if the law is retroactively applied. This decision led to the acquittal of the accused on the illegal firearm possession charge.
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Execution pending appeal requires ‘good reasons’ beyond a bond or claims of delay. Moral, exemplary damages shouldn’t be executed before final judgment.
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A criminal complaint is not a tax assessment. Taxpayers are entitled to a formal assessment before criminal charges.