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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How to File an Estafa Case in the Philippines
Learn how to file an estafa case in the Philippines, including the legal basis, evidence needed, and the step-by-step process.
Illegal Recruitment vs Estafa: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between illegal recruitment and estafa, and why proof of non-licensure matters.
Estafa and Bouncing Checks: Understanding Penalties and Retroactivity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when RA 10951's reduced estafa penalties apply retroactively and why a trial court erred in releasing a convict.
Estafa Acquittal: Why a Faulty Information Violates Due Process in the Philippines
A flawed information can lead to acquittal in estafa cases. Learn how the right to be informed shapes criminal due process in the Philippines.
Acquittal Due to Lack of Proof: Examining the Elements of Estafa and Theft in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts distinguish estafa from theft, and why the prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: When Overseas Job Promises Turn Into Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when fake overseas job offers constitute illegal recruitment and estafa, and explains the penalties under Philippine law.
Procedural Lapses and Waiver: When Court Rules Trump Substantive Claims in Estafa Cases
A look at Chingkoe v. Sandiganbayan, where the Supreme Court ruled that the right to speedy disposition of cases must be timely invoked, or it is deemed waived.
Accountability for False Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Conviction Analyzed
The Supreme Court affirms conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, clarifying liability for false promises of overseas employment.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa Cases
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa based on deceptive recruitment schemes.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Upholding Criminal Liability for Breach of Trust
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to turn over goods or proceeds under trust receipts is estafa under PD 115, not mere civil liability.
Trust Receipts and Criminal Liability: When a Loan Becomes Estafa Under PD 115
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt transaction creates criminal liability for estafa, not just civil liability, under PD 115.
Good Faith vs Criminal Intent: When a Mistake Isn't Estafa
The Supreme Court acquits a jeepney driver of estafa, clarifying that good faith and lack of criminal intent negate conspiracy in fraud cases.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Payment Agreement Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court ruled that a new payment schedule cannot erase criminal liability for trust receipt violations, which are malum prohibitum.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters and swindlers, and what proof is needed.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Conviction Upheld: Lessons on Appeal Limits
Supreme Court affirms large scale illegal recruitment conviction, raises fine to P5M, and explains why erroneous estafa penalties can no longer be corrected.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
Deceptive Promises Convicting Illegal Recruiters AND Ensuring Restitution FOR Victims OF Estafa
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld convictions for syndicated illegal recruitment and estafa, ensuring victims receive full restitution with interest.
Understanding Civil Liability in Criminal Cases When Estafa Acquittals Impact Loan Obligations
When an estafa accused is acquitted, can the victim still collect the loan? The Supreme Court explains civil liability ex delicto versus ex contractu.
Navigating Property Disputes: The Importance of Due Process and Property Identification in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies estafa liability for selling property one does not own, emphasizing due process and proper property identification.
Estafa by Deceit in Property Sales: Lessons from Dulay v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Dulay v. People clarifies estafa by deceit in property transactions and the buyer's duty to verify ownership.
Estafa Through Misappropriation: Key Insights From a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
Explore the Supreme Court's recent ruling on estafa through misappropriation and its practical implications for criminal liability and prosecution.
Understanding Estafa in Trust Receipt Transactions: Key Lessons from Barlin v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estafa under Article 315(1)(b) to trust receipt violations, and what businesses should know.
Estafa and Falsification: How RA 10951 Changed Penalties in Philippine Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how RA 10951 reduced penalties for estafa and falsification, affecting sentencing and probation eligibility.