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.
Moral Turpitude and Public Service: Examining the Boundaries of Mitigation in Administrative Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies when mitigating circumstances can—and cannot—reduce the penalty of dismissal for conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude.
Tax Amnesty Limits: Withholding Tax Liabilities and Corporate Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax amnesty under RA 9480 does not cover withholding tax liabilities, and corporate officers may still face prosecution.
Foreshore Occupancy Without Permit: Water Code Violation Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms that occupying foreshore land without a permit violates the Water Code, regardless of pending applications.
Tax Amnesty Scope: When Revenue Regulations Exceed Statutory Authority
Supreme Court ruling on tax amnesty, pending cases, and limits of implementing rules under RA 9480.
When Love Turns Abusive: Disbarment for Lawyer's Violence Against Partner and Children
A lawyer was disbarred for physically abusing his partner and her children. Learn the rules on lawyer discipline and violence against women.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
Understanding Unfair Competition in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A look at unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, explained through a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on confusingly similar products.
When Bank Receivership Suspends B.P. 22 Liability: What Creditors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how bank receivership suspends check payment obligations and bars B.P. 22 criminal liability for bank officers.
Understanding Estafa in Trust Receipt Transactions: Key Lessons from Barlin v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estafa under Article 315(1)(b) to trust receipt violations, and what businesses should know.
Amending Defective Criminal Charges: The Lazaro Doctrine on Procedural Flexibility
Learn how Philippine courts amend defective criminal charges to prevent dismissal on technicalities, based on Lazaro v. People.
Novation in Philippine Estafa Cases: When Settlements Prevent Criminal Liability
Learn when amicable settlements can extinguish criminal liability for estafa under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sorongon v. People.
The Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When a Civil Case Outcome Bars Criminal Prosecution
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the prejudicial question doctrine to dismiss falsification charges after a civil case settled the core issue.
Understanding Juridical Possession and Its Impact on Estafa Convictions in the Philippines
A branch manager's conviction for estafa was reversed because she lacked juridical possession of goods—explaining a key element of Article 315.
Understanding Estafa in Property Transactions: The Importance of Clear Representations
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling an encumbered property amounts to estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld a conviction for lascivious conduct under RA 7610, clarifying how minors are protected from sexual abuse.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
LIVE'S vs LEVI'S: Supreme Court Rules on Trademark Confusion and Cancellation
The Supreme Court cancelled the LIVE'S trademark registration, ruling it confusingly similar to LEVI'S under the Dominancy Test.
Grave Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from Pantaleon v. Ombudsman-Mindanao
A revenue clerk's unauthorized lending of public funds led to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
Notarial Seal Misuse: Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Accountability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lawyers cannot escape liability when their notarial seal is misused, even if signatures are forged.
Safeguarding Notarial Seals: A Lesson from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
What happens when a notary's seal is used without authorization? A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's administrative liability.
Administrative and Criminal Liability: Prescription and Speedy Disposition Lessons from Perez v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription and speedy disposition rules in graft cases, balancing public accountability with the accused's rights.
Lawyer-Client Duties and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A lawyer who abandons a client's cause, hides legal heirs, and uses confidential documents faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay Dismisses a Libel Charge
A six-year delay in resolving a preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, leading to dismissal.
Understanding Psychological Violence Under the Anti-VAWC Act: Insights From a Landmark Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when marital infidelity becomes psychological violence under R.A. 9262, and what proof is needed for conviction.