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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Estafa Conviction: Why Factual Allegations Matter More Than the Technical Charge
The Supreme Court clarifies that in estafa cases, the facts alleged in the Information—not the legal provision cited—determine the crime charged.
Concealment of Vehicle Documents as Estafa: Protecting Creditor Rights in Chattel Mortgages
The Supreme Court rules that concealing a vehicle's OR-CR can constitute estafa, protecting creditors' rights in chattel mortgages.
Estafa by Concealing Documents: What the Capulong Case Teaches About Fraud and Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when concealing documents like a vehicle's OR-CR amounts to estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Liability for Promising Overseas Work
The Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa where accused spouses promised overseas jobs without a POEA license.
Theft by Deceit, Overseas Job Scams, and Illegal Recruitment Law in the Philippines
A close look at how Philippine law treats illegal recruitment and large-scale estafa, and why the Supreme Court demands solid proof before property is seized.
Lawyers Suspended for Neglect, Harassment of Client Over Fees
SC suspends two lawyers for failing to file a client's case and for filing estafa and deportation cases to collect fees.
Estafa Acquittal and Civil Liability: Distinguishing Ex Delicto From Ex Contractu
When an estafa acquittal rests on a contract, civil liability ex delicto cannot be awarded; the creditor must file a separate civil action.
Syndicated Estafa and Corporate Liability: When Public Solicitation Pierces the Veil
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation's real estate sales to the public trigger syndicated estafa liability under P.D. 1689.
Misrepresentation in a Contract to Sell Does Not Automatically Mean Estafa
The Supreme Court acquitted a seller of estafa despite a false claim of ownership, showing that not every misrepresentation in a contract is a crime.
When Selling Another’s Property Is Not Estafa: The Ison Case
The Supreme Court explains when a false claim of ownership does not amount to estafa, and why the prosecution must prove deceit beyond reasonable doubt.
Estafa Acquittal: When Lack of Proof of Deceit and Reliance Wins the Case
A look at Ison v. People, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused of estafa for failure to prove deceit and reliance beyond reasonable doubt.
Estafa Through Falsification: When Deceit and Forged Documents Overlap
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa through falsification of public documents, explaining deceit, forged signatures, and criminal liability.
Breach of Trust When a Commission Agreement Leads to Criminal Liability for Estafa
When does failing to remit sales proceeds become estafa, not just debt? The Supreme Court explains in Cheng v. People.
Double Jeopardy and Civil Liability When Acquittal Does Not Erase Debt
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double jeopardy, finality of acquittal, and civil liability in estafa cases.
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Diaz v. People on Estafa and Agency
An acquittal in estafa does not erase civil liability. The Diaz case explains when and why.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Supreme Court Upholds Conviction for Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, clarifying the elements of both crimes and the penalties imposed.
Accountability in Recruitment: Penalizing Illegal Recruiters for Economic Sabotage and Estafa
Learn how Philippine courts penalize illegal recruitment as economic sabotage and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Prejudicial Question and Corporate Authority: When Estafa Proceedings May Be Suspended
Explains when a prejudicial question suspends estafa proceedings, focusing on corporate authority and demand validity under Philippine law.
Intra-Corporate Disputes as Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When an intra-corporate dispute over officer authority can suspend criminal estafa proceedings, explained through a 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
Probable Cause and Estafa: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Individual Rights in Criminal Arrests
Learn how the Supreme Court balances probable cause requirements and individual rights in estafa cases, from arrest to attachment.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Employment Relationships
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, and explains the penalty rules.
Bouncing Checks AND Broken Promises Establishing Fraud IN Estafa Cases
Theft vs. Estafa: When Employee Misappropriation Is Not Estafa (Benabaye Doctrine)
The Supreme Court in Benabaye v. People clarifies when an employee's misappropriation of funds is theft, not estafa, based on possession.