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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Death Abates Criminal and Civil Liability: Understanding Extinguishment of Penalties in Philippine Law
When an accused dies pending appeal, both criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Malicious Mischief in the Philippines: Intent, Property Damage, and Road Rage Cases
Learn how Philippine courts prove malicious mischief under the Revised Penal Code, and why intent matters in road rage property damage cases.
When Sexual Abuse of a Minor Is Rape, Not Just Child Abuse: People v. Dahilig
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual abuse of a minor is rape under the Revised Penal Code, not merely child abuse under RA 7610.
Deprivation of Liberty: Understanding Kidnapping and Illegal Detention of Minors in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when taking a child constitutes kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.
Robbery With Homicide and Conspiracy: Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability for robbery with homicide, conspiracy, and penalties under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Law and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape rules under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, including penalties and damages for child victims.
When Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto under the Revised Penal Code.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
When an accused dies while appeal is pending, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Alibi Defense: Garbida Case
The Supreme Court upheld Roberto Garbida's conviction for seven counts of statutory rape, ruling that a child's consent is immaterial under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Qualify as Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how a sudden, unexpected attack constitutes treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
Death Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability: People v. Paniterce
When an accused dies while appeal is pending, both criminal and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Love Conquers All: Marriage Extinguishes Rape Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court absolves a convicted rapist after marrying the victim, citing provisions of the Revised Penal Code on marriage as extinguishing criminal liability.
Estafa and the Essence of Deceit: Delgado v. People Explained
The Supreme Court affirms that false pretenses, not ownership of funds, define estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Jurisdiction in Swindling Cases: How Penalties Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how penalties and fines determine which court hears swindling cases under the Revised Penal Code.
Challenging Vagrancy Laws: The Supreme Court Upholds Article 202(2) of the Revised Penal Code
The Supreme Court upholds Article 202(2) on vagrancy, ruling it constitutional and not violative of due process or equal protection.
Proximate Cause and Criminal Liability for Unintended Death in the Philippines
When a beating triggers a fatal heart attack, is the attacker liable for homicide? The Supreme Court explains proximate cause under Article 4 of the Revised Penal Code.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Notarizing False Affidavits Becomes a Crime
A mayor's conviction for notarizing false affidavits of ownership and joint affidavits shows how public officials can be liable for falsification under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.
Theft Beyond Tangibles: When Telecom Services Became Personal Property
The Supreme Court ruled that telephone services and business can be the object of theft under the Revised Penal Code.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
Publisher's Knowledge Not Required for Libel Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules a publisher can be convicted of libel even without knowledge of the libelous article, citing Article 360 of the Revised Penal Code.
Postdated Checks and Estafa: When a Bouncing Check Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing postdated checks with insufficient funds constitutes estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Venue as a Cornerstone of Jurisdiction in Incriminating Innocent Persons Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules and the scope of Article 363, Revised Penal Code, in incriminating innocent persons complaints.
Accountable Public Officer Failing to Render Accounts: Liability for Cash Advances
Municipal mayors who receive cash advances are accountable officers. Failure to liquidate or return disallowed funds within two months is a crime under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
When Must Private Entities Account for Government Funds? Campomanes v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals receiving government funds must render accounts to the COA, and when they cannot be held liable under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.