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.
Child Abuse and Sexual Assault: Understanding Philippine Law and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law punishes child abuse and sexual assault, including key rules on evidence and penalties.
Dishonesty in Government Service: When Is It Grounds for Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty in government service warrants dismissal, distinguishing serious, less serious, and simple dishonesty.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Magno Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when touching a minor's private parts is lascivious conduct under RA 7610, citing the Magno case.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Key Differences in Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in administrative cases, and the corresponding penalties.
Proving Social Media Authorship in VAWC Cases: The G.R. No. 274842 Guide
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove Facebook post authorship in VAWC psychological abuse cases and raises penalties for ICT use.
When Social Media Posts Become Psychological Abuse: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A recent Supreme Court ruling shows how Facebook posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, with heavier penalties for ICT use.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases: Proving Guilt Without Eyewitnesses
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in murder and arson cases, explained through the Camarse ruling.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Trocio Case on Child Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct under RA 7610, holding a doctor liable for abusing a minor patient.
SALN Compliance Opportunity to Correct Errors Prevents Haphazard Prosecution
Supreme Court acquits public official of SALN violation, ruling that the review and compliance procedure under RA 6713 must precede prosecution.
Dismissed Electric Cooperative GM Can't Claim Retirement: NEA Jurisdiction Ruling
Supreme Court affirms NEA's exclusive jurisdiction over electric cooperative GM retirement claims, forfeiting benefits upon valid dismissal.
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.
Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny: Disciplining Misconduct and Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
Court personnel face dismissal for gross misconduct, insubordination, and conduct tainting the judiciary's reputation under amended Rule 140.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and exceptions.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Duplicitous Informations and Child Abuse: Understanding Convictions for Multiple Offenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how duplicitous informations can lead to convictions for multiple offenses, and when child abuse charges apply instead of rape.
Treachery in Murder Cases: Why a Heated Argument Can Downgrade the Crime to Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a killing after a heated argument lacks treachery, reducing murder to homicide under Philippine law.
Treachery in Robbery with Homicide: The Supreme Court’s Ruling in People v. Juada
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery aggravates robbery with homicide and affirms conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Juada.
Dacion en Pago: How to Properly Extinguish Loan Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how dacion en pago works, when loan obligations are extinguished, and the pitfalls lenders must avoid.
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.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how the Cybercrime Prevention Act raises the penalty.
Public Office as Public Trust: Lessons from the Deputy Ombudsman Administrative Case
The Supreme Court's ruling against a former Deputy Ombudsman clarifies the administrative offenses of neglect, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
DOSRI Violations in Philippine Banking: Lessons from Apolinario v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. People clarifies DOSRI rules, insider lending limits, and director liability in Philippine banking.
Defective Vehicle Refund and Manufacturer Liability Under the Consumer Act
Supreme Court ruling clarifies consumer refund rights for defective vehicles and manufacturer liability under RA 7394, with administrative fines reinstated.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory SOCE Filing Deadline, Balances Rule of Law with Equity
The Supreme Court ruled COMELEC gravely abused discretion in extending the SOCE filing deadline, but applied the operative fact doctrine.