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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Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Possession Cases
Death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability in drug cases. The Supreme Court clarifies the effect of an accused's death on convictions.
When an Accused Dies Pending Appeal: Extinguishment of Criminal and Pecuniary Liability
A Supreme Court ruling explains how the death of an accused during appeal extinguishes criminal liability and, in drug cases, the fine as well.
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.
Accountability in Public Office: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation of public funds and why restitution does not erase criminal liability for accountable officers.
Bouncing Checks LAW Restructuring Agreements DO NOT Automatically Extinguish Criminal Liability
A restructuring agreement does not automatically extinguish criminal liability for bouncing checks. Learn the legal distinction.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Murder Through Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy, positive identification, and treachery determine criminal liability for murder in the Philippines.
Bigamy and Nullity: When a Void Marriage Declaration Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a belated judicial declaration of nullity of a first marriage does not automatically defeat a bigamy charge under Philippine law.
Reclusion Perpetua VS Reclusion Temporal Determining Criminal Liability AND Retroactive Application OF Juvenile Justice ACT
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.
Death of the Accused Pending Appeal: What Happens to Criminal and Civil Liability
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rules from People v. Ayochok.
Forged Wills and Fraud: Protecting Estates from Deceit
A forged will led to criminal liability for estafa through falsification of public document. Learn the legal rules and practical lessons from Obando v. People.
Self-Defense vs Conspiracy: Criminal Liability in Group Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense is available in group violence and how conspiracy affects criminal liability.
Insanity Plea in Parricide: Burden of Proof and the Limits of Jealous Rage
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability, and why jealous rage falls short.
Trust Receipts vs Loan Agreements: When Misuse of Funds Is Not Estafa
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt arrangement is actually a simple loan, and why criminal liability for estafa does not follow.
Death and Dismissal: Examining Survival of Civil Liability in Criminal Cases After Accused's Demise
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. But civil liability may survive—under certain conditions.
Conspiracy and Kidnapping for Ransom: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in kidnapping for ransom cases, explaining when co-accused share criminal liability and how courts prove agreement.
Proximate Cause in Homicide: Liability for Unintended Fatal Consequences
A punch that led to a fatal fall still means homicide. The Supreme Court explains proximate cause and criminal liability under Article 4 of the RPC.
Father's Death During Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Supreme Court explains how a father's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto under Article 89.
From Double Murder to Arson: How Intent Shapes Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when setting fire to a house is murder or arson, and why intent determines the crime.
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.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims and treachery, and why the burden of proof matters in criminal cases.
Command Responsibility and the Writ of Amparo: Clarifying the Scope of Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies that command responsibility has little bearing in amparo proceedings, which determine accountability, not criminal liability.
Affinity Survives Death But Not Falsification: Estafa and Article 332
The Supreme Court rules on whether a son-in-law can invoke the Article 332 exemption from criminal liability for estafa after his wife's death.