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.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Timely Transmit Preliminary Investigation Records
Why a judge's failure to transmit preliminary investigation records within 10 days is a punishable offense under Philippine law.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
When a Judge's Private Letter Undermines Judicial Impartiality
Supreme Court reprimands a judge for writing university officials about his wife's cases, violating judicial conduct rules on impartiality.
When a Recommender Is Not Liable: Civil Liability After an Acquittal in Estafa
Explaining when a person who recommends an investment can be held civilly liable after an acquittal in an estafa case.
When Can You Appeal a Denied Motion to Quash? The Basa Case Explained
Learn from Basa v. People when a denied motion to quash is appealable, and why interlocutory orders cannot be appealed prematurely.
Good Faith Payments and Prior Satisfaction as Grounds for Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
Supreme Court acquits corporate officer in BP 22 case where the dishonored check was fully paid two years before charges were filed.
Attempted Rape vs Acts of Lasciviousness: How Intent Shapes Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness—the intent to lie with the victim.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability in Estafa Cases
When can a corporate officer be personally liable for estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of corporate personality and criminal liability.
Partial Payment and Fulfillment of Obligations: Creditor Rights Under B.P. 22
When does partial payment satisfy a debt? The Supreme Court clarifies creditor rights and the Bouncing Checks Law in Alonto v. People.
Squatting Decriminalized: The Extinction of Civil Liability Following the Repeal of Anti-Squatting Law
The Supreme Court acquits a man charged under the Revised Forestry Code, clarifying that even mala prohibita offenses require proof of intent.
Shareholder Derivative Suits and Private Prosecutor Intervention in Falsification Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shareholder suit is truly derivative and when private prosecutors may intervene in criminal falsification cases.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: Issuing a Bouncing Check
A lawyer's conviction for issuing a bouncing check under BP 22 involves moral turpitude and warrants disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Illegal Recruitment Testimonial Evidence Trumps Lack OF Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment cases where testimonial evidence outweighs the absence of receipts or documentary proof.
When Judges Overstep: The Cash Bond Rule and Simple Misconduct
A judge who personally received a cash bail bond violated Rule 114, but the Court ruled it was simple, not gross, misconduct.
Prejudicial Question Resolving Conflicts Between Civil AND Criminal Actions IN Philippine Courts
When civil and criminal cases collide, Philippine courts apply the prejudicial question doctrine. Learn how this affects tenant-landlord disputes.
Smuggling and the Presumption of Guilt: Possession and Tax Obligations in Philippine Law
When does possession of untaxed goods create a presumption of smuggling under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains in Rieta v. People.
Judicial Responsibility: Timely Decisions and Accountability for Delays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases promptly, and accountability for undue delay.
When Civil Cases Don't Justify Travel Bans: The Limits of Hold Departure Orders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that hold departure orders may only be issued in criminal cases, not civil disputes like support cases.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.
Mootness Doctrine and Acquittal: When Court Rulings Lose Relevance
Explaining when court rulings become moot and academic, and how acquittal affects pending criminal cases in the Philippines.
Estafa Conviction Upheld for Deceit in Mobilization Fund Scheme
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for contractor who misrepresented ability to mobilize equipment and misappropriated P600,000 mobilization fund.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short of Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction in estafa cases, examining the limits of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Grave Threats Case: Why Judges Must Apply Summary Procedure Correctly
In Riño v. Cawaling, the Supreme Court fined a judge for gross ignorance of the law in misapplying summary procedure in a grave threats case.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony vs Paraffin Test Results in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why a negative paraffin test cannot overcome positive eyewitness identification in a murder conviction.