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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Conspiracy and Treachery: How Group Violence Shapes Criminal Liability
Understanding how conspiracy and treachery work together in group violence, and why a police officer's warning shot still made him liable for murder.
Worthless Checks and Accommodation Liability Under B.P. Blg. 22 Despite Lack of Direct Transaction
The Supreme Court clarifies that issuing a bouncing check—even as an accommodation for another—can still lead to criminal liability under B.P. Blg. 22.
Administrative vs Criminal Liability: Why Dismissal of One Does Not Dismiss the Other
A single act can trigger both administrative and criminal cases. The Supreme Court explains why dismissal of one does not automatically end the other.
Bouncing Checks and Unconscionable Interest: BP 22 Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unconscionable loan interest affects criminal liability for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Collective Signatures Do Not Equal Collective Guilt
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies individual criminal liability for falsification of public documents in collective decision-making bodies like the PBAC.
Employer Liability for Negligent Employee: Quasi-Delict vs Subsidiary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face direct liability for employee negligence under Article 2180, Civil Code, distinct from subsidiary criminal liability.
Official Duty vs Criminal Liability: Defining Boundaries in Government Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for anomalous government transactions despite claims of mere ministerial duty.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines estafa by misappropriation under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code and what it means for your liability.
Bounced Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa Liability in Philippine Transactions
When do bounced checks create criminal liability for estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies who can be held liable under Article 315.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Estafa When A Cancelled Property Sale Leads TO Criminal Liability
Corporate Officer Liability When Signing Loan Documents Leads to Criminal Charges in the Philippines
Learn when signing loan documents as a corporate officer can trigger criminal liability in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Self Defense Claims IN Homicide Justification VS Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
Minors and Criminal Liability: The Importance of Discernment in Philippine Law
Philippine law on minors and criminal liability hinges on discernment. Learn how the courts assess a child's capacity to distinguish right from wrong.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability in Estafa Cases
When can a corporate officer be personally liable for estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of corporate personality and criminal liability.
Accountability on the Road: Determining Guilt in Group Violence
A look at how Philippine courts assign criminal liability when violence breaks out in a group, and what the law requires for a conviction.
Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.
Deceptive Promises Estafa Conviction Despite Victims Naivete In Travel Agent Scam
Philippine Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction of fake travel agent, ruling that victims' gullibility does not absolve fraudsters of criminal liability.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: Understanding BP 22 in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, the reason for issuing a bouncing check is immaterial to criminal liability. Learn the rules.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Flight in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence and flight can establish criminal liability, explained in plain language.
Accidental Shooting Intent and Liability in Firearm Mishaps Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide clarifies criminal liability when killings occur during heists, even if accidental.
Bigamy and Psychological Incapacity: Subsequent Nullity Declarations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a later declaration of psychological incapacity does not erase criminal liability for bigamy.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.