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.
Juvenile Justice Balancing Rehabilitation AND Accountability IN HOMICIDE CASES
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child in conflict with the law may still be imprisoned, even under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Upholding Public Safety: Supreme Court Invalidates Ordinance Permitting Oil Depots in Densely Populated Area
The Supreme Court strikes down Manila Ordinance No. 8187 for allowing oil depots to remain in densely populated Pandacan, reaffirming the primacy of public safety and health.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties: Demaala v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using ICT raises the penalty.
Murder with Direct Assault: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction in People v. Estonilo
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction for Murder with Direct Assault in People v. Estonilo, highlighting the role of circumstantial evidence and the weakness of alibi.
No-Build Zones and National Permits: What Aquino v. Malay Means for Developers
The Supreme Court ruled that a DENR permit does not override local no-build zone ordinances. Here's what developers must know.
Residency Redefined: Upholding Election Results Despite Challenges to Candidate's Domicile
The Supreme Court clarifies residency rules for local candidates, upholding John Henry Osmeña's win as Toledo City mayor despite domicile challenges.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent to Rob Must Precede the Killing
The Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide requires intent to rob before the killing; otherwise, only homicide may be proven.
Estafa by Abuse of Confidence: When Failing to Return Money Becomes a Crime
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on estafa by abuse of confidence and when failure to return entrusted money constitutes a criminal offense.
Breach of Trust Estafa Conviction Affirmed in Jewelry Consignment Case
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for consignee who sold jewelry on credit and failed to remit proceeds or return items.
Treble Costs Under Rule 65: When Courts May Penalize Frivolous Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that treble costs under Rule 65 are discretionary, requiring clear justification, not automatic penalties.
Breach of Trust Establishing Conspiracy in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
How a cashier's breach of trust led to 30 counts of qualified theft, and what the Supreme Court ruled on penalties.
Malversation Through Falsification: Upholding Accountability in Philippine Public Office
A BIR agent's conviction for malversation through falsification shows how Philippine courts penalize public fund misappropriation and enforce restitution.
Reckless Imprudence Penalty Corrected in Road Accident Conviction
SC clarifies proper penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries, correcting CA's erroneous penalty imposition.
Deceptive Promises in Overseas Job Scams: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
Learn how the Supreme Court treats fake overseas job promises as both illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa.
Deceptive Recruitment Estafa AND THE Promise OF Overseas Employment
When a fake recruiter promises overseas jobs, both illegal recruitment and estafa can apply. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Protecting OFWs From Unlicensed Recruiters
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when unlicensed recruiters face life imprisonment and estafa penalties for defrauding overseas job seekers.
Estafa and Inflation: Supreme Court on Disproportionate Penalties in Property Crimes
The Supreme Court explains why courts cannot adjust estafa penalties for inflation and what Article 5 of the Revised Penal Code requires instead.
Breach of Public Trust: Official Position Cannot Shield Criminal Acts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for graft and estafa, ruling public office cannot shield criminal acts.
Incestuous Rape: Why Courts Trust Child Victims' Testimony in Parental Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victims' credible testimony, explaining why intact hymen and minor inconsistencies don't defeat prosecution.
Incestuous Rape: Child Victims' Testimony and Parental Responsibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies attempted rape vs. acts of lasciviousness distinction.
Protecting Local Autonomy Upholding Environmental Stewardship Over Business Interests
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against local officials, affirming their power to enforce environmental laws over business interests.
Falsification of Public Documents and Preventive Suspension Under RA 3019
When does falsification of public documents justify preventive suspension under Section 13 of RA 3019? The Supreme Court explains.
Judicial Clemency: Balancing Mercy and Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, reaffirming that remorse and reformation must be proven, not merely claimed.
Protecting Child Victims of Sexual Abuse: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A father's conviction for rape and sexual abuse of his 12-year-old daughter affirmed by the Supreme Court, clarifying legal standards.