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.
Defective Information in VAWC Cases: When Lack of Specificity Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a VAWC accused because the Information failed to allege mental or emotional anguish, a crucial element under Section 5(i) of RA 9262.
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.
When Agrarian Disputes Trump Criminal Cases: The Bacar Doctrine on Automatic Referral
The Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases like qualified theft must be referred to the DAR, protecting tenant farmers' rights.
Agrarian Dispute vs Qualified Theft: When Courts Must Refer Cases to DAR
The Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases like qualified theft must be referred to the DAR because an agrarian dispute exists.
SEC Fraud Liability: When Projected Completion Dates Are Not Untrue Statements
Supreme Court clarifies that forward-looking statements in SEC registration filings are not automatically fraudulent misrepresentations under the Securities Regulation Code.
Untrue Statements in Securities Registration: The Caliraya Springs Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a projected completion date in a securities registration statement becomes an actionable untrue statement under the Securities Regulation Code.
Navigating Probable Cause When Inconsistent Testimony Impacts Rape Allegations
The Supreme Court clarifies how inconsistent testimony affects probable cause determinations in rape complaints, balancing complainant credibility with constitutional rights.
Government Expropriation and Bad Faith in Land Valuation Disputes
When does flawed land valuation in expropriation become a crime? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of bad faith in government takings.
Balancing Local Authority and National Mining Rights: The Luisito Marty Case
A mayor's refusal to issue mining permits tested the line between local autonomy and national mining law. The Supreme Court's ruling explained.
Tax Amnesty Scope: When Revenue Regulations Exceed Statutory Authority
Supreme Court ruling on tax amnesty, pending cases, and limits of implementing rules under RA 9480.
Cockfighting Law: When Local Officials Can Hold Events Outside Licensed Cockpits
Supreme Court clarifies when cockfights may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449, and the limits of Ombudsman discretion.
Navigating Libel Jurisdiction: Key Insights From Philippine Supreme Court Rulings on Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Revised Penal Code's venue rules apply to libel committed through radio and television broadcasts.
The Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When a Civil Case Outcome Bars Criminal Prosecution
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the prejudicial question doctrine to dismiss falsification charges after a civil case settled the core issue.
Probable Cause and Syndicated Estafa: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause, syndicated estafa, and conspiracy in Debuque v. Nilson, a landmark ruling on criminal procedure.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights From a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how treachery must be alleged in an Information and when an accused waives the right to question it.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
Understanding Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lascivious conduct and other child abuse under RA 7610, modifying a conviction and imposing a heavier penalty.
When a Sleeping Victim Meets Treachery: Insights from People v. Dela Peña
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction where the victim was stabbed while asleep, explaining treachery and self-defense under Philippine law.
SSS v. Seno: Trial Court Discretion Over Withdrawal of Criminal Information
Supreme Court clarifies trial court discretion in denying withdrawal of criminal information and limits on ordering reinvestigation in SSS contribution cases.
When Can Prosecution Amend an Information? Formal vs Substantial Amendment Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when the prosecution may amend a criminal information after arraignment, distinguishing formal from substantial amendments under Rule 110.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutorial findings and the limits of a private complainant's right to appeal criminal case dismissals.
Probable Cause in Toll Bypass Cases: Theft of Telephone Services Under Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on probable cause for theft in toll bypass operations, clarifying what constitutes unlawful taking of telephone services.
Accidental Shooting or Intentional Harm: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal shooting is homicide, not murder, and why the information must allege treachery as a fact.
When a Prosecutor Files an Information Without the City Prosecutor’s Approval
Learn when a criminal information filed without the city prosecutor’s prior written authority is defective and subject to quashal.