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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Estafa Conviction Upheld for False Identity and Worthless Checks
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction where accused misrepresented identity and issued checks from a closed account to defraud complainant.
Venue in Estafa Cases: Where Does a Bouncing Check Crime Occur?
The Supreme Court clarifies that in estafa cases involving bouncing checks, venue lies where the check was issued and dishonored, not where negotiations occurred.
Ponzi Schemes and Syndicated Estafa: Protecting the Public From Investment Fraud
The Supreme Court explains how Ponzi schemes constitute syndicated estafa under Philippine law, and what this means for investors.
When Investment Turns Criminal: Reassessing Estafa in Corporate Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies that failed investments and unmet expectations do not automatically constitute estafa under Philippine law.
Trust Receipt Breach: When Failure to Deliver Constitutes Estafa in the Philippines
Explore when failure to deliver under a trust receipt agreement constitutes estafa, based on a 2018 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Procedural Lapses in Filing Fees Do Not Erase Civil Liability in Swindling Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that underpayment of docket fees based on clerk assessment does not bar recovery of damages in estafa cases.
When Investment Promises Fall Short: Estafa and Other Deceits Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a broken investment promise is estafa, and when it becomes
Probable Cause in Deposit Insurance Claims: Lessons from PDIC v. Gidwani
The Supreme Court reinstates probable cause findings against Manu Gidwani for estafa and money laundering, clarifying standards for preliminary investigations in deposit insurance fraud cases.
One Specific Offense Rule: Search Warrants and the Limits of General Warrants
The Supreme Court nullified a search warrant covering both the Securities Regulation Code and estafa, affirming the one-specific-offense rule.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Upholding Protection for Victims of Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Safeguarding Migrant Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, protecting Filipino migrant workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Estafa by Misappropriation: When a Consignment Deal Turns Criminal
The Supreme Court explains the elements of estafa under Article 315(1)(b) of the Revised Penal Code and how recanted testimony is treated.
Independent Judicial Assessment Required in Estafa Case Withdrawals
Supreme Court clarifies that judges must independently assess evidence before granting motions to withdraw information in estafa cases.
Syndicated Estafa Liability and Investor Protection Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms syndicated estafa conviction under PD 1689, clarifying liability of corporate officers and investor protection.
Beyond Mismanagement When Corporate Decisions Dont Amount TO Criminal Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between illegal recruitment and estafa, and when corporate decisions cross into criminal fraud.
Estafa AND Corporate Liability When Does Breach OF Contract Become A Crime
Estafa Corporate Liability vs Personal Liability in Loan Agreements
When is a corporate officer personally liable for estafa in a loan deal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between criminal fraud and civil debt.
Partnership vs Estafa: When a Partner's Misappropriation Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partner's failure to account for funds crosses from civil liability to criminal estafa under Philippine law.
Ponzi Schemes and the Law: Convicting Syndicated Estafa in Investment Fraud
How the Supreme Court convicted a Multitel officer of syndicated estafa for a Ponzi scheme, and what investors should know.
Deceptive Recruitment: The High Cost of False Promises in Overseas Employment
The Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, underscoring the severe penalties for fake overseas job promises.
Estafa and Civil Liability: When Acquittal Doesnt Guarantee Freedom From Civil Claims
Explore the distinction between criminal acquittal and civil liability in estafa cases, and how banks can be held accountable.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Liability FOR Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa
Jurisdiction in Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Cases: Protecting Migrant Workers
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for illegal recruitment and estafa cases, protecting migrant workers' access to justice.