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.
Estate Tax in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Heirs and Beneficiaries
Learn the Philippine estate tax rules: the 6% rate, deductions, filing deadlines, exemptions, and penalties under the TRAIN Law.
Passion and Obfuscation in Parricide: The Singcol Case and Limits of Self-Defense
The Supreme Court in People v. Singcol clarifies self-defense limits, passion and obfuscation as a mitigating circumstance, and treachery in murder.
Graft and Malversation: When Private Funds Become Public Funds Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when private funds become public funds and defines liability for graft and malversation in Arcelo v. People.
Acquitted Corporate Officer Not Civilly Liable for Bouncing Check: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate officer acquitted of BP 22 violations cannot be held civilly liable for the dishonored check's value.
Graft Conviction Overturned: Undue Injury and Burden of Proof Under RA 3019
When does a procurement violation become graft? The Supreme Court clarifies undue injury and the burden of proof under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Death of the Accused and Criminal Liability: The Rodriguez v. Elorde Ruling
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. But civil liability may survive—here's how.
Conspiracy and Ignominy in Rape Cases: Understanding Criminal Liability
How conspiracy and ignominy widen criminal liability in rape cases under Philippine law, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Franking Privilege Misuse: When Court Personnel Face Misconduct Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when misuse of the franking privilege constitutes simple misconduct for court personnel, with key lessons on official resources.
Sheriff’s Abuse of Authority: Protecting Your Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn the limits of a sheriff’s authority under Rule 39 and how the Supreme Court protects property rights in Ignacio v. Balading.
Inordinate Delay in Administrative Cases: The Right to Speedy Disposition After Llevares
Explore how the Supreme Court's Llevares ruling protects public officials from inordinate delay in administrative cases, and what this means for your rights.
Proving Causation in Homicide Cases: The Role of Medical Evidence in the Philippines
Philippine homicide cases require proof beyond reasonable doubt that the accused's actions caused death. Learn how the Supreme Court treats medical evidence and pre-existing conditions.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Nelson Sia, Jr.
Understand treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Nelson Sia, Jr.
Child Pornography Prosecution After Repeal: The Doctrine of Reenactment in the Philippines
Can a repealed law still lead to conviction? The Supreme Court clarifies how reenactment preserves criminal liability for child pornography offenses.
Defense of Relatives in the Philippines: When Is Killing Justified?
Philippine law allows killing to defend a relative, but strict conditions apply. Learn the rules from the Galorio case.
Civil Liability After Criminal Acquittal: What the Llonillo Case Means
Philippine law allows civil liability to survive a criminal acquittal. Learn the rules and the Supreme Court's ruling in Llonillo.
Theft vs. Robbery in the Philippines: The Element of Force Explained
Understand the difference between theft and robbery under Philippine law, and how the element of force affects criminal liability and penalties.
When a Recruitment Employee Is Not Liable for Illegal Recruitment: Toston v. People
The Supreme Court in Toston v. People clarifies that a recruitment agency's mere employee is not automatically liable for illegal recruitment.
Letter of Authority vs. Letter Notice: When a BIR Tax Assessment Is Void
The Supreme Court ruled that a BIR Letter Notice cannot substitute for a Letter of Authority—assessments without a valid LOA are void.
Possession of Fake Currency in the Philippines: Knowledge and Intent Under Article 168
Philippine law punishes possession of counterfeit currency only when knowledge and intent to use are proven. The Supreme Court clarifies this in a recent ruling.
Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Intent Matters in Denial of Financial Support Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that willful intent to cause anguish, not mere financial hardship, is required for economic abuse convictions under RA 9262.
Behest Loans in the Philippines: Understanding Anti-Graft Law and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts define behest loans, the role of RA 3019, and why loan repayment does not erase potential graft liability.
Accomplice Liability in Direct Bribery: The Gerunda Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court defined accomplice liability in direct bribery cases, using the Gerunda ruling to explain key legal principles.
Intent to Gain in Theft Cases: Good Faith Ownership Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine theft law requires intent to gain. Learn how a good faith belief in ownership can defeat criminal charges, citing Amarille v. People.
Discernment in Juvenile Justice: Key Lessons from CICL XXX vs. People
Understand how Philippine courts determine a minor's discernment and criminal liability, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in CICL XXX vs. People.