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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Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa Through Misappropriated Loan Proceeds
When does failure to turn over loan proceeds become estafa? The Supreme Court explains misappropriation under Article 315.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Financial Misappropriation Cases
Explore when breach of trust constitutes estafa under Philippine law, and why agricultural leasehold tenants cannot be prosecuted for it.
Breach of Trust: When Misappropriation Constitutes Estafa
When does an employee's breach of trust amount to estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of loss of confidence as a ground for dismissal.
Estafa by Misappropriation of Goods Held in Trust: The Ceniza-Manantan Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains when failing to return jewelry or goods received on commission becomes estafa, and why a lawyer's mistakes rarely win a new trial.
Judge Dismissed for Misappropriation of Court Funds and Gross Misconduct
Supreme Court dismisses judge for in-chambers meetings with litigants, misappropriating support funds, and defying Court orders.
Judicial Integrity: Misappropriation of Court Funds Leads to Dismissal and Restitution
Supreme Court dismisses two court clerks for misappropriating over P4 million in judiciary funds, ordering joint restitution and forfeiture of benefits.
Estafa by Misappropriation: When Failing to Return Entrusted Money Is a Crime
Understand when failing to return money received for a specific purpose becomes estafa under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Estafa by Misappropriation: When Failing to Remit Entrusted Money Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court explains when failure to remit money received for a specific purpose constitutes estafa under Philippine law.
Sheriff's Misappropriation of Funds and Delay in Execution Leads to Suspension
A sheriff's failure to execute writs promptly and his questionable use of litigation funds resulted in a six-month suspension for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines estafa by misappropriation under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code and what it means for your liability.
Court Personnel Extortion: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court ruling on court employee extortion and misappropriation of court documents, explaining penalties under the new Code of Conduct.
Fiscal Autonomy of Constitutional Agencies: Full Release of Appropriations Mandatory
The Supreme Court affirms that fiscal autonomy requires automatic and full release of appropriations to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.
Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines: What the CSC v. DBM Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy for constitutional bodies means full, automatic release of appropriations—not subject to DBM cash management policies.
Budgetary Control vs Regional Autonomy: The Atitiw Ruling on Appropriations Law
The Supreme Court explains when a spending restriction in the GAA is a valid budgetary policy, not an unconstitutional rider.
Estafa Through Misappropriation: Liability Even Without Direct Handling of Property
Supreme Court clarifies that estafa under Article 315(1)(b) can arise even when property is received by an employee, not the accused directly.
Illegal Dismissal Case: Employer's Burden of Proof in Misappropriation Claims
MERALCO v. NLRC clarifies that employers bear the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases, even for misappropriation charges.
Malversation Conviction Affirmed Consenting To Misappropriation AS Grounds FOR Liability
Consent to misappropriation by a public officer can ground malversation liability even without personal gain, as this case shows.
Qualified Theft vs Estafa: Defining Possession in Bank Teller Cases
When does a bank teller's misappropriation of funds constitute qualified theft rather than estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the key distinction.
Disbarment for Legal Counsels Dishonest and Unlawful Conduct
A lawyer's duty to hold client funds in trust, and the consequences of misappropriation after a client's death.
Public Trust Betrayed: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Judiciary Funds
Clerk of court dismissed for misappropriating judiciary funds; silence deemed admission of guilt in administrative cases.
Estafa Through Misappropriation: When an Employee's Failure to Account Amounts to Breach of Trust
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's failure to account for company funds and property constitutes estafa through misappropriation, reversing dismissals by prosecutors.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court dismisses two clerks of court for misappropriating judiciary funds, affirming that public trust breach warrants the ultimate penalty.
Misappropriation of Litigant Funds Leads to Judge's Dismissal
Supreme Court dismisses judge for misappropriating P78,000 in fiduciary funds entrusted by litigants, violating Circular No. 50-95.
Breach of Public Trust: Forfeiture of Benefits for Misappropriation of Judiciary Funds
A clerk of court loses retirement benefits for misappropriating judiciary funds, even after full restitution and resignation.