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.
Combating Human Trafficking: Understanding Philippine Law and Your Rights
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified trafficking conviction, explaining the elements of the crime, conspiracy, and penalties under RA 9208.
Human Trafficking Conviction Affirmed: Protecting Child Victims Under RA 9208
The Supreme Court affirms a cybersex trafficking conviction, reinforcing heightened legal protection for child victims under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Decoy Solicitation in Trafficking Cases: Entrapment vs Instigation
The Supreme Court clarifies when police decoy solicitation in trafficking cases is valid entrapment, not instigation, in People v. Mendez.
Human Trafficking vs. Child Pornography: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that human trafficking and child pornography are distinct offenses, each with separate elements and penalties under Philippine law.
Qualified Trafficking of a Minor: Key Lessons from People v. Cañas
A look at qualified trafficking in persons under RA 9208, as amended, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cañas means for child protection.
Child Trafficking and Sexual Abuse: Philippine Law and Victim Protection
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies qualified trafficking in persons and rape, and the strong legal protections for minor victims in the Philippines.
Human Trafficking in the Philippines: Qualified Trafficking and Child Protection Under RA 9208
Philippine law treats trafficking of minors as qualified trafficking with severe penalties. A recent Supreme Court ruling shows how victim testimony secures convictions.
Safeguarding Minors: The Supreme Court's Stance on Trafficking and Probable Cause
The Supreme Court reinstates a qualified trafficking case, clarifying probable cause standards and protecting minors from exploitation.
Trafficking in Persons for Prostitution Is a Crime Even If Intercepted Before Exploitation
Supreme Court clarifies that recruitment for prostitution constitutes trafficking in persons even if the intended exploitation is intercepted.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Human Trafficking: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Cas
The Supreme Court explains the elements of illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons in a case involving a worker bound for Beijing.
Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel: What Philippine Courts Can Do
When can Philippine courts issue hold departure orders? The Supreme Court explains the limits on the right to travel.
Understanding Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue hold departure orders and how bail affects an accused person's right to travel.
Child Trafficking and Abuse: Legal Protections and Consequences in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of qualified trafficking and child prostitution, and the penalties for those who exploit minors for profit.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn the elements of qualified trafficking in persons under RA 9208 through a Supreme Court case on a minor exploited in a videoke bar.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: The Helen Lapena Case and Its Impact on Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for qualified trafficking in persons, clarifying how floor managers who maintain minors for prostitution are held liable under RA 9208.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Consent and Vulnerability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how consent does not negate trafficking when victims are vulnerable minors recruited for sexual exploitation.
Recruiting Minors for Criminal Activities Is Trafficking Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules that recruiting minors to commit robberies constitutes qualified trafficking in persons under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
When Renting a Room for Prostitution Is Not Trafficking: Key Distinction
Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between trafficking in persons and acts that promote trafficking under RA 9208.
Lodging Liability When Hotel Owners Promote Human Trafficking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hotel owner liability for promoting trafficking under RA 9208, based on circumstantial evidence.
Probable Cause in Trafficking Cases: The Two Kinds of Determination Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between executive and judicial probable cause in trafficking cases, and why judges should not dismiss cases prematurely.
Reasonable Doubt in Human Trafficking Cases: The Necessity of Corroborating Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in a trafficking case, stressing that conviction requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, not just a police officer's lone testimony.
Dismissal of Administrative Complaints Upholding the Presumption of Regularity in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against court officials, reaffirming the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties.