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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SALN Violations and Perjury: Prescriptive Periods Explained
Learn the prescriptive periods for SALN violations and perjury in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in the Germar case.
Perjury and Bouncing Checks in the Philippines: What Saulo v. People Teaches
Understand perjury and BP 22 bouncing check liability through the Supreme Court's ruling in Saulo v. People.
Private Prosecutors in Perjury Cases: Upholding the Offended Party's Rights
Explaining when a private prosecutor may intervene in perjury cases, citing the Supreme Court's ruling in Lee Pue Liong v. Chua Pue Chin Lee.
Perjury Complaints and the DOJ Secretary's Discretion in Preliminary Investigations
Explains when the DOJ may dismiss a perjury complaint appeal and why constitutional due process rules for courts do not bind prosecutors.
Probable Cause vs Prosecutorial Discretion: The Perjury Case of Verzano v. Paro
A prosecutor cannot presume probable cause simply because a respondent fails to file a counter-affidavit. The Supreme Court explains why.
Perjury Acquittal: When Contradictory Statements Do Not Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court acquits Eriberto Masangkay of perjury, holding that contradictory statements alone cannot prove deliberate falsehood beyond reasonable doubt.
Reinstating Appeals Substantial Justice Over Technicalities IN Perjury Cases
Perjury and Venue: Where the False Statement Truly Matters
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled that venue in perjury cases depends on where the false statement is used, not where it is notarized.
Perjury Charges and Probable Cause: The Role of Good Faith in Affidavit Statements
A look at Soriano v. Cabais on why good faith defeats perjury charges and the proper remedy for Ombudsman dismissals.
Perjury in the Philippines: When a False Statement Is Not a Crime
The Supreme Court explains why negligence, not malice, in a sworn statement does not amount to perjury under Philippine law.
Perjury in the Philippines: Proving Willful Falsehood in Legal Statements
The Supreme Court explains when a false statement under oath becomes perjury, requiring willful and deliberate intent beyond mere error.
Truth and Oath in Attorney Discipline: When Perjury Allegations Against Lawyers Fail
Explaining Asturias v. Serrano, where the Supreme Court dismissed disbarment complaints for lack of clear evidence of willful falsehood.
Perjury and Probable Cause: When Sworn Statements Fall Short of Falsehood
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of perjury and the limits of probable cause in criminal complaints before the Ombudsman.
Perjury Unmasked: False Statements in Naturalization Petitions Remain Actionable Despite Withdrawal
Withdrawing a naturalization petition does not erase perjury liability for false statements already made under oath, the Supreme Court ruled.
Perjury in the Philippines: False Statements in Legal Documents Explained
Learn how Philippine courts define perjury, what makes a false statement criminal, and why withdrawing a petition does not erase liability.