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.
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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.
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.
Probable Cause and Syndicated Estafa: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause, syndicated estafa, and conspiracy in Debuque v. Nilson, a landmark ruling on criminal procedure.
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.
Understanding Intent and Liability in Estafa and Graft Cases: Lessons from a LRA Employee's Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of an LRA employee for estafa and graft, clarifying the elements of fraud and bad faith.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct and the Limits of Affidavits of Desistance in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when affidavits of desistance fail to absolve an accused and clarifies penalties for estafa and graft.
Estafa Misappropriation Requires a Duty to Deliver: Vicente v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a contractor of estafa, ruling that a mere debt, without a duty to deliver funds, is not misappropriation.
Understanding Estafa When Trust AND Contracts Collide IN Business Transactions
When project employees become regular: what Toyo Seat v. Velasco means for fixed-term hiring in the Philippines.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Protecting OFWs from Fake Recruiters
The Supreme Court explains illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what overseas Filipino workers should watch out for.
Finality of Judgment and Penalty Recomputation Under RA 10951: Insights from Aguinaldo v. People
A Supreme Court ruling explains when final judgments may be modified and how RA 10951 affects penalties for estafa.
Final Judgments and Penalty Correction: Aguinaldo IV v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final criminal conviction can still be modified, applying RA 10951 to reduce an estafa penalty.
Understanding Estafa and Falsification: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A disbarment case clarifies the evidentiary standard for lawyer discipline and the role of a Special Power of Attorney in signing judicial affidavits.
Understanding Trust and Misappropriation in Philippine Estafa Cases: Key Lessons from a Landmark Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies estafa under Article 315(1)(b), explaining trust receipt obligations, demand requirements, and why partial payment does not erase criminal liability.
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.
Understanding Estafa and Illegal Recruitment: Protecting Yourself From Job Scams
Learn how Philippine courts treat job scams as both estafa and illegal recruitment, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
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.
Probable Cause and Estafa Elements: Lessons from a Dismissed Certiorari Petition
A look at when courts may overturn a prosecutor's probable cause finding, and why the elements of estafa must be clearly alleged.
Probable Cause in Estafa Cases: Insights from Favis-Velasco v. Gonzales
Learn how the Supreme Court defined probable cause in estafa cases and why solid evidence matters in fraud complaints.
Understanding Estafa by Deceit: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Explore a landmark Philippine Supreme Court case on estafa by deceit, and the ethical duties it highlights for lawyers.
When Amending an Information in Estafa Cases Becomes a Question of Form vs. Substance
The Supreme Court clarifies when amendments to an Information in estafa cases are formal or substantial, and why a new preliminary investigation is not always required.
Falsification vs Estafa: Identifying the True Crime in Fraudulent Schemes
The Supreme Court clarifies when falsification of a private document, not estafa, is the proper charge in fraud cases.
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.
Investment Fraud and Conspiracy in Estafa Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy in investment fraud estafa cases is proven, using the landmark Sulit v. People decision.
Sale vs Agency: When Unpaid Vendors Are Not Guilty of Estafa
The Supreme Court clarifies when a failed real estate deal is a breach of contract, not estafa, and why unpaid vendors cannot be criminally liable.