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.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the right to speedy disposition of cases and prescription rules for graft charges under RA 3019.
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.
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.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Protecting Yourself From Job Scams in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and how job seekers can spot and avoid overseas employment scams.
Theft vs Estafa: Key Distinctions and Implications for Employees and Employers
When an employee misappropriates company funds, is it theft or estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial distinction in Libunao v. People.
Robbery with Homicide vs Simple Robbery: When a Co-Robber Dies in a Police Shootout
The Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a robbery is "on the occasion" of the crime, and when it is not.
Navigating the Thin Line Between Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supre
When does a church dispute become a labor case? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between ecclesiastical affairs and secular employment.
Direct Assault vs. Resistance to Authority: The Mallari Case Explained
The Supreme Court in Mallari v. People clarifies when force against a police officer is direct assault or merely resistance to authority.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause: When Presence Alone Does Not Imply Guilt in Fraud Cases
Mere presence at a meeting does not prove conspiracy in estafa cases. The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
Distinguishing Robbery From Theft The Necessity of Violence or Intimidation in Taking Personal Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a snatching is theft, not robbery, and what the prosecution must prove.
Estafa Under Trust Receipt Agreements: The Osental Case and PD 115
Failure to comply with a trust receipt agreement can lead to estafa charges. Learn the rules from the Osental case.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
RA 10951 Penalty Adjustments Apply Even After Final Judgment: The Elbanbuena Case
The Supreme Court allows reopening final judgments to apply RA 10951's reduced penalties, remanding cases to trial courts for recomputation.
Possession Is Prima Facie Evidence: Understanding Fencing Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how mere possession of stolen goods can convict a person of fencing under PD 1612, and clarifies the proper penalty.
Denial of Child Support as Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Key Lessons from Melgar v. People
The Supreme Court rules that withholding child support is economic abuse under RA 9262, even without proof of psychological anguish.
RA 10951 Retroactive Application: Modifying Malversation Penalties After Final Judgment
Explains Hernan v. Sandiganbayan, where the Supreme Court allowed RA 10951's favorable penalty reduction to apply even after final judgment in malversation cases.
Corporate Liability Accountability FOR Unremitted SSS Contributions
Supreme Court affirms conviction of corporate officer for non-remittance of SSS contributions under RA 8282.
Insanity as a Defense: Establishing Mental Incapacity in Criminal Proceedings
Understanding how Philippine courts assess insanity as a defense and what evidence is needed to establish mental incapacity in criminal cases.
Upholding Child Protection: Parental Discipline vs. Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between parental discipline and child abuse under R.A. 7610 in a case involving a guardian who burned a child with a flat iron.
When a "Lawyer" Is Not a Lawyer: Due Process and the Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court voids a conviction where the accused was represented by a fake lawyer, stressing the absolute right to counsel.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases: Conviction Void When "Lawyer" Is Not a Bar Member
When a criminal defendant is represented by someone who is not a lawyer, the conviction violates due process and must be set aside.
Protecting Children Upholding Stiffer Penalties for Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for child abuse under R.A. 7610, clarifying that physical abuse of a child is penalized more heavily than ordinary physical injuries.
Premature Environmental Challenges Clarifying EIS Requirements in Public-Private Partnerships
Supreme Court clarifies when EIS and ECC duties arise in PPP projects, ruling that pre-bidding environmental challenges are premature.