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.
Credibility in Rape Cases: How Minor Inconsistencies Don't Undermine Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not defeat conviction when credibility is established.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty for Incestuous Rape of a Minor
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a grandfather who raped his six-year-old granddaughter, reinforcing legal protections for minors.
Prior Payment of Check Value as Defense in Bouncing Checks Cases
When does paying the check amount before prosecution bar a B.P. 22 conviction? The Supreme Court explains in Griffith v. Court of Appeals.
Bank Liability for Premature Foreclosure and Dishonored Deposits
When can a bank be liable for damages? The Supreme Court rules on premature foreclosure, dishonored checks, and bad faith.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, courts may impose only a fine instead of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 violations explains when fines replace imprisonment and clarifies due process rights in bouncing checks cases.
Bank Liability in Foreign Exchange Transactions: The Reyes v. Far East Bank Standard
When are banks liable for dishonored foreign exchange drafts? The Supreme Court clarifies the diligence standard in Reyes v. Far East Bank.
Finality Prevails: Reopening a BP 22 Case After Judgment
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a final BP 22 conviction cannot be reopened through a belated new trial motion or petition for relief.
Bouncing Checks Law: The 90-Day Rule and Proof of Knowledge Under BP 22
Presenting a check after 90 days does not bar prosecution under BP 22—knowledge of insufficient funds can still be proven by other evidence.
Bouncing Checks and Insufficient Notice: Protecting Individuals From Unjust Convictions
The Supreme Court acquits a check issuer because the prosecution failed to prove receipt of notice of dishonor, a key element under BP 22.
Non-Negotiable Withdrawal Slips: Bank Liability for Delayed Dishonor Notices
When a bank delays notice of dishonor on non-negotiable withdrawal slips, is it liable for damages? The Supreme Court explains.
When Flight Equals Guilt Examining Evidence AND Treachery IN Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions, clarifying flight, treachery, and evidence rules in criminal cases.
Acquittal Based on Reasonable Doubt Extends to Co-Accused Despite Withdrawn Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how an acquittal based on reasonable doubt affects co-accused and withdrawn appeals in criminal cases.
Conspiracy in Check Fraud: When Signing Another's Check Is Not Estafa
The Supreme Court explains when signing checks from another person's account does not prove conspiracy in estafa cases.
Invalid Promulgation of Judgment: When Philippine Courts Fail to Follow Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court explains what makes a valid promulgation in absentia and when the accused's right to appeal accrues.
Bouncing Checks Under B.P. 22: When a Check Used as Loan Security Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that issuing a bouncing check is a crime under B.P. 22, even if the check was only security for a loan.
Proving Bouncing Checks Cases in Philippine Courts: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
B.P. 22 convictions don't require proving intent or a pre-existing debt. Learn what courts actually look for in bouncing checks cases.
Bouncing Checks: Understanding Liability and Penalties Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court interprets BP 22 bouncing checks law, including liability, penalties, and defenses in the Philippines.
Collective Liability and Conspiracy in Criminal Actions: People v. Aquino
When does mere presence or participation in a transaction amount to criminal conspiracy? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Aquino.
Deceptive Check Issuance and Fraud in Estafa Cases Involving Postdated Checks
When does issuing a postdated check become estafa? The Supreme Court explains the crucial role of deceit in People v. Panganiban.
Demurrer to Evidence Reversed on Appeal: When the Court Must Decide on the Plaintiff's Evidence
Learn the consequences when a demurrer to evidence is reversed on appeal and how judicial admissions can establish liability.
Homicide VS Murder Distinguishing Elements AND THE Burden OF Proof IN Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish homicide from murder, and why the prosecution bears the burden of proof in every criminal case.
Checks Issued as Guarantee Still Fall Under B.P. 22; Judge Suspended for Partiality
Supreme Court rules checks issued as guarantee are still covered by B.P. 22, and suspends a judge for partiality and gross ignorance of the law.
Acquittal in Malversation Case Shows Audit Gaps Can Overcome Presumption of Guilt
Supreme Court acquits treasurer and cashier of malversation, ruling that flawed audit findings and lack of proof of actual shortage defeat the presumption of misappropriation.