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.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Supreme Court: Selling Pirated Software Alone Is Copyright Infringement
The Supreme Court rules that merely selling pirated software constitutes copyright infringement under PD 49, reversing the Court of Appeals' restrictive reading.
Confessions and Counsel: Safeguarding Rights in Criminal Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies when the right to counsel applies in confessions and what makes a lawyer "competent and independent" under Philippine law.
BP 22 Acquittal: Why Actual Receipt of Notice of Dishonor Is Critical
In Robert Chua v. People, the Supreme Court acquitted a BP 22 accused because prosecutors failed to prove actual receipt of the notice of dishonor.
Theft Charges and Double Jeopardy: Why the Right Charge Matters
A conviction for consummated theft was reduced to attempted theft because the information only charged frustrated theft. Learn why proper charges matter.
Rape With a Deadly Weapon: When the Charge Must Be Upgraded to Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape with a deadly weapon or by multiple offenders becomes qualified rape, raising the penalty.
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.
Ensuring Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165.
Speedy Trial Dismissal Is an Acquittal: Double Jeopardy and Finality in Criminal Cases
A dismissal for violation of the right to speedy trial is an acquittal that bars re-prosecution. Learn the rules and practical lessons from this case.
Qualified Theft and Circumstantial Evidence: When Conviction Stands Without Direct Proof
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for qualified theft, and how courts fix the value of stolen goods.
Judicial Accountability: Supreme Court Sanctions Judge for Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court holds judge liable for grave abuse of authority, misconduct, and insubordination despite his resignation, affirming judicial accountability.
Upholding Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Presumption of Regularity
Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, explaining chain of custody rules and presumption of regularity in police work under RA 9165.
Speedy Trial and Provisional Dismissal: Key Rules from Co v. New Prosperity Plastic Products
The Supreme Court clarifies when provisional dismissal becomes permanent and how the one-year revival period is counted.
Concubinage, Condonation, and the Ombudsman's Power: Key Lessons from Busuego v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies when a wife's knowledge of infidelity amounts to condonation of concubinage, and affirms the Ombudsman's broad investigative powers over public officers.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that police non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules can defeat drug prosecutions.
Falsification of Public Documents: Balancing Expert Testimony and Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how NBI expert reports and due process rights interact in falsification preliminary investigations.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Do Not Break the Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not break the chain of custody in drug cases.
Breach of Public Trust: Official Position Cannot Shield Criminal Acts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for graft and estafa, ruling public office cannot shield criminal acts.
Upholding Local Autonomy: The Constitutionality of Vehicle Immobilization Ordinances
The Supreme Court upheld Cebu City's vehicle immobilization ordinance as a valid exercise of police power, clarifying due process requirements for traffic enforcement.
Proving the Victim's Age in Statutory Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Hilarion
The Supreme Court clarifies how the prosecution must prove a rape victim's age, and why the failure to do so downgrades statutory rape to simple rape.
Victim Credibility in Rape Cases: Delay in Reporting and Lack of Medical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's testimony alone can sustain a conviction, even with delayed reporting and no medical evidence.
Prescription Period for Ordinance Violations: Filing the Complaint vs. the Information
When does prescription run for ordinance violations? The Supreme Court clarifies whether filing a complaint with the prosecutor interrupts the period.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Affirms Stepfather's Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining moral ascendancy, victim-survivor credibility, and increased damages in G.R. No. 271812.
When a Trust Receipt Is Really a Loan: Acquittal in Estafa Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a corporate officer of estafa under the Trust Receipts Law, ruling that transactions the bank knew were not for resale are simple loans, not trust receipts.