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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Broken Link Leads to Acquittal
When police skip the required on-site inventory without justification, the chain of custody breaks and drug convictions may be overturned.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspects: Strict Chain of Custody Still Required
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because police failed to justify why the inventory was not done at the arrest site. Learn the rule.
Chain of Custody Breach Warrants Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects where inventory was done at PDEA office, not arrest site, without justification.
Robbery by Extortion: When Law Enforcement Crosses the Line
Police officers who demand money to drop charges commit robbery by extortion. The Supreme Court explains why.
Direct Assault vs Resistance: Understanding the Nuances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when physical force against police officers amounts to direct assault or only resistance and disobedience under Philippine law.
Hot Pursuit Arrests: When Is a Warrant Required in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the limits of warrantless hot pursuit arrests and the chain of custody rule for seized drugs.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: When Overseas Job Promises Turn Into Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when fake overseas job offers constitute illegal recruitment and estafa, and explains the penalties under Philippine law.
Plain View Doctrine Upholds Warrantless Seizure in Illegal Firearm Possession
The Supreme Court affirms that a firearm seen tucked in a suspect's waist during a lawful police response falls under the plain view doctrine.
Concubinage Beyond the Conjugal Home: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court clarifies that cohabitation in any place, not just the conjugal home, can constitute concubinage under Philippine law.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Election Weapon Ban Case
Supreme Court acquits accused in election weapons ban case due to broken chain of custody over seized folding knife.
Stop-and-Frisk Searches in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
Learn when Philippine police may legally conduct stop-and-frisk searches, what limits apply, and your rights during such encounters.
Omission of Drug Quantity in Information: Can Conviction Still Stand?
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Information's failure to state drug quantity affects conviction and penalty in drug cases.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Local Government Contracts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies direct bribery under the Revised Penal Code in a case involving Ombudsman officials and local executives.
Understanding the One-Specific-Offense Rule for Search Warrants in Philippine Drug Cases
A defective search warrant covering multiple offenses voids seizures, even if the accused waives objections to arrest.
Judicial Admission Can Prove Lack of Firearm License in Illegal Possession Cases
Supreme Court ruling: an accused's own admission in court can prove lack of a firearm license, without needing a PNP certification.
Trafficking in Persons for Prostitution Is a Crime Even If Intercepted Before Exploitation
Supreme Court clarifies that recruitment for prostitution constitutes trafficking in persons even if the intended exploitation is intercepted.
Dying Declarations vs Res Gestae: Hearsay Exceptions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a victim's dying words are admissible—as a dying declaration or as res gestae—in a murder conviction.
Good Faith vs Criminal Intent: When a Mistake Isn't Estafa
The Supreme Court acquits a jeepney driver of estafa, clarifying that good faith and lack of criminal intent negate conspiracy in fraud cases.
Psychological Incapacity After Tan-Andal: The Laroco Ruling Explained
Understand how the Supreme Court's Laroco ruling applies the Tan-Andal framework on psychological incapacity, shifting focus to mutual incompatibility.