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.
Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological violence under RA 9262 and raises penalties when abuse is committed through social media or ICT.
Insanity Defense in Philippine Law: When Mental Illness Excuses Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability under Article 12 of the Revised Penal Code.
When Agrarian Disputes Trump Criminal Cases: The Bacar Doctrine on Automatic Referral
The Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases like qualified theft must be referred to the DAR, protecting tenant farmers' rights.
Forum Shopping: When Filing Multiple Cases Crosses the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple cases amounts to forum shopping, and which body has jurisdiction to rule on it.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure in the Philippines: Why a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a general foreclosure clause is not enough—mortgagees need express authority to sell property extrajudicially.
Cyber-Enabled Robbery in the Philippines: How RA 10175 Raises Penalties for Digital Extortion
Learn how the Supreme Court applies the Cybercrime Prevention Act to robbery committed through digital means, and why penalties are one degree higher.
Possession of Fake Currency in the Philippines: Knowledge and Intent Under Article 168
Philippine law punishes possession of counterfeit currency only when knowledge and intent to use are proven. The Supreme Court clarifies this in a recent ruling.
Falsified Court Documents: Supreme Court Disbars Lawyer for Fabricating Court Order
A lawyer who fabricates a court order faces disbarment. The Supreme Court explains the ethical rules and consequences in a recent ruling.
Grave Misconduct in the Philippines: When Dismissal Is Unjustified
The Supreme Court clarifies that grave misconduct requires proof of corrupt intent, not mere negligence or failure to comply with rules.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Insights from a 2023 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for qualified trafficking in persons, explaining the elements of the crime and how courts prove them.
When Is a Trafficking Victim Considered a Minor in the Philippines
Philippine law treats anyone under 18 as a minor for trafficking. A 2023 Supreme Court ruling explains how minority qualifies the crime.
Serious Illegal Detention of Minors: What Philippine Law Says
Serious illegal detention of a minor is a grave crime in the Philippines. Learn the elements, penalties, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Timely Filing of Just Compensation Claims Under Philippine Agrarian Law
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for filing just compensation claims with the Special Agrarian Courts under Philippine agrarian reform law.
Understanding Rape Conviction in the Philippines: Consent Evidence and the Role of Co-Conspirators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rape conviction standards, consent evidence rules, and co-conspirator liability in criminal cases.
Lascivious Conduct vs Rape: When Penis Placement on the Vagina Falls Under R.A. 7610
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Talisay v. People on when placing the penis outside the vagina constitutes lascivious conduct, not rape.
Tax Delinquency Sales: Why Notice to the Registered Owner Matters
The Supreme Court voids tax sales when LGUs notify only the tax declaration holder, not the registered owner. Learn the due process rule.
Navigating the Condonation Doctrine: Its Impact on Philippine Public Officials' Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the condonation doctrine in administrative cases, reinforcing public officials' accountability under Philippine law.
Intent to Gain in Theft Cases: Good Faith Ownership Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine theft law requires intent to gain. Learn how a good faith belief in ownership can defeat criminal charges, citing Amarille v. People.
Accomplice Liability in Direct Bribery: The Gerunda Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court defined accomplice liability in direct bribery cases, using the Gerunda ruling to explain key legal principles.
Behest Loans in the Philippines: Understanding Anti-Graft Law and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts define behest loans, the role of RA 3019, and why loan repayment does not erase potential graft liability.
Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Intent Matters in Denial of Financial Support Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that willful intent to cause anguish, not mere financial hardship, is required for economic abuse convictions under RA 9262.
Can a Subcontractor Sue the Project Owner Directly? CIAC Jurisdiction Explained
Subcontractors can claim unpaid amounts from project owners under Article 1729, but the dispute must go through CIAC arbitration, not regular courts.
Chain of Custody and Buy-Bust Operations: A Guide from a Recent Drug Case Ruling
A 2023 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the chain of custody rule and witness requirements in buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Unlawful Detainer: How Tolerance Affects Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how tolerated occupancy can become unlawful detainer when the owner withdraws permission, based on a 2023 Supreme Court ruling.