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: Defining Qualified Theft Through Grave Abuse of Confidence in Employment
A sales clerk who failed to remit collections was convicted of qualified theft, not estafa. The Supreme Court explains the key difference.
Distinguishing Simple Theft From Qualified Theft: The Critical Role of Grave Abuse of Confidence
The Supreme Court clarifies when theft is qualified by grave abuse of confidence, and when it remains simple theft.
Abuse of Rights Damages Awarded for Bad Faith Demand Letter to Employee's Company
Supreme Court affirms damages against employer for bad faith demand letter accusing employee of theft despite receipt.
When Insurance Exclusions Cover Damage But Not Loss: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "malicious damage" exclusion in insurance policies does not cover theft or loss of a vehicle.
Malicious Damage Exclusion Does Not Cover Vehicle Theft by Employee
Theft by an insured's employee is covered by insurance unless the policy explicitly excludes "loss," not just Since the driver was in the insured's service, the insurer argued that the theft fell unde
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of qualified theft, emphasizing grave abuse of confidence as the distinguishing factor in criminal cases.
Theft in Telecommunications: Defining International Simple Resale and the Limits of Search Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies that international simple resale constitutes theft under Philippine law and explains the rules on search warrants.
When Snatching a Bag Is Theft, Not Robbery: The Violence Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that snatching a bag without violence or intimidation is theft, not robbery, even if a death occurs.
Employee Theft and Termination: Defining Analogous Serious Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law
When does stealing a co-worker's property justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Employee Theft and Termination: Defining Analogous Misconduct at Work
Theft from a co-employee is analogous to serious misconduct and can justify dismissal, even without employer loss.
Loss of Confidence as Just Cause: Employee Dismissal Despite Criminal Acquittal
Can an employer fire an employee acquitted of theft? Yes, if substantial evidence supports loss of confidence. Learn the rule.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Qualified Theft in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines qualified theft, including the role of grave abuse of confidence, through a real case example.
Res Judicata and Land Ownership: When a Criminal Ruling Does Not Bind a Civil Case
A criminal conviction for theft does not automatically settle land ownership in a separate civil case. Learn how res judicata applies.
Possession Isn't Always Guilt: Theft and the Limits of Presumption in Lozano v. People
A Supreme Court ruling shows why finding stolen goods in someone's hands does not automatically prove theft of everything else reported missing.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: No Financial Assistance for Terminated Employees
The Supreme Court rules that employees dismissed for theft or dishonesty are not entitled to separation pay or financial assistance.
Bank Secrecy vs Qualified Theft: Balancing Financial Privacy and Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when bank deposits remain confidential under R.A. 1405 even in criminal cases, and why evidence must match the charge.
Upholding Termination for Theft: Balancing Due Process and Employer Rights in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of cable splicers for theft of company property, clarifying that ample opportunity to be heard, not a formal hearing, satisfies due process.
Qualified Theft vs Estafa: Defining the Boundaries of Employee Misappropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, based on the nature of possession.
When a Dishonored Check Cannot Be Theft: The Impossible Crime Doctrine in the Philippines
Can a worthless check be the object of theft? The Supreme Court explains the impossible crime doctrine and why intent alone is not enough.
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.
Theft by Deceit: Defining Penalties for Estafa and the Indeterminate Sentence Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how indeterminate penalties for estafa are computed, reaffirming the rule that the minimum term comes from the penalty next lower to that prescribed by law.
When Long Service Isn't Enough: The Limits of Compassion in Employee Theft Cases
Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's dismissal for punching co-workers' time cards, and when compassion yields to discipline.
Theft by Deceit Conviction Stands Despite Missing Testimony and Affidavit of Desistance
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction even with missing transcript and complainant's affidavit of desistance, clarifying key criminal procedure rules.
Breach of Trust and Qualified Theft: When Employee Misconduct Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's theft against a co-worker constitutes a valid cause for termination under Philippine labor law.