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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Piercing the Corporate Veil: Individual Liability for Corporate Estafa
Corporate officers can face criminal estafa charges for misusing company funds. The Supreme Court clarifies individual liability and remedies.
Checks as Guarantee in Loan Agreements: No Estafa Without Deceit
Supreme Court clarifies that postdated checks as loan guarantees do not constitute estafa absent proof of fraud or deceit.
Independent Civil Actions: Enforcing Contract Obligations Separate From Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil collection case can proceed independently of dismissed criminal estafa cases, and why res judicata does not bar it.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Misappropriated Funds
Supreme Court ruling on when misappropriating advance payments constitutes estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Illegal Recruitment and Conspiracy: Accountability Under RA 8042 and the Revised Penal Code
A Supreme Court ruling on syndicated illegal recruitment and estafa clarifies how conspiracy is proven and how offenders are penalized.
Estafa Conspiracy, Acquittal, and Civil Liability: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how the Supreme Court treated conspiracy in estafa, the effect of acquittal on civil liability, and the strict deadlines for appeals.
Deceptive Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when deceptive job promises abroad constitute both illegal recruitment and estafa, and how conspirators share liability.
Bouncing Checks and Estafa: How Issuing Worthless Checks Can Lead to Fraud Convictions
Learn how issuing postdated checks with closed accounts can result in both B.P. 22 violations and estafa convictions under Philippine law.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt In Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa Cases
How false promises of overseas jobs led to convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa.
Illegal Recruitment Acquittal: Why Promises by Relatives Do Not Convict a Recruiter
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person may be acquitted of illegal recruitment and estafa, and the proof required for conviction.
When Misrepresentations Lead to Estafa: The Dangers of Falsely Claiming the Ability to Process Travel Document
The Supreme Court clarifies when false claims about processing travel documents constitute estafa, even without promises of employment abroad.
Upholding Estafa Conviction: The Supreme Court Reinforces Finality of Factual Findings in Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court affirmed an estafa conviction and reiterated that factual findings of lower courts are binding.
Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa THE Tangled WEB OF Deceit IN Overseas JOB Promises
Breach of Trust and Estafa: Accountability in Jewelry Sales Agreements
When a jewelry seller fails to remit proceeds or return unsold items, criminal liability for estafa may arise despite payment agreements.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Estafa and BP 22 in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a bouncing check leads to both estafa and BP 22 violations, and how penalties are computed.
Spousal Liability in Estafa: Why Marriage Alone Does Not Prove Guilt
Supreme Court ruling: a husband's mere presence when his wife issued a bouncing check does not prove conspiracy in estafa.
Deceptive Sales The High Cost of Confidence Scams Under Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat confidence scams, the elements of estafa, and the penalties for deceptive sales practices.
Accountability in Recruitment: Establishing Liability for Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
A look at how the Supreme Court held a recruiter liable for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, and what this means for accountability.
Deceptive Promises in Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Lessons from People v. Arabia
When do false promises of overseas jobs become both illegal recruitment and estafa? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Arabia.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Estafa Case on Insufficient Evidence and Hearsay
Supreme Court acquits pawnshop owner in estafa case, ruling that hearsay evidence and uncorroborated testimony cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Fraudulent Promises Establishing Liability for Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when false promises of overseas employment constitute both illegal recruitment and estafa.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Novation and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing bouncing checks constitutes estafa despite existing contracts and business history between parties.
Reasonable Bail Balancing Constitutional Rights AND Flight Risk IN Estafa Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reasonable bail pending appeal in estafa cases, balancing constitutional rights against flight risk.
When Contractual Disputes Dont Constitute Estafa Reconciling Civil Obligations AND Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when breach of contract becomes estafa, distinguishing civil liability from criminal fraud.