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.
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.
Qualified Theft vs. Simple Theft: When Does Grave Abuse of Confidence Apply?
The Supreme Court clarifies when employee theft becomes qualified theft, requiring proof of special trust beyond ordinary employer-employee relations.
Election Law Disqualification for Illegal Use of Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn how a final conviction with perpetual disqualification can cancel a candidacy, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
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.
Using an Alias in the Philippines: When It Becomes a Crime and the Pequero Case
Using a name different from your registered birth name can be a crime. Learn the rules, penalties, and lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
COMELEC vs HRET: When Can a Party-List Registration Be Cancelled?
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC can cancel a party-list registration, even if it affects a sitting member of Congress.
Attorney Misconduct: Handling Client Funds and Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine lawyers must account for client funds and return unused amounts, based on Supreme Court rulings on attorney discipline.
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.
Overvaluing Property When Does It Become A Crime Under Philippine Banking Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank appraiser's overvaluation of property becomes a crime under the General Banking Law, requiring proof of intent to influence the bank.
CSC Can Act on PDS Misrepresentation Despite Prior NAPOLCOM Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CSC may pursue eligibility-related administrative cases despite a prior NAPOLCOM ruling on the same facts.
When Can DAR Disqualify an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary? The Balucan Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies who may file to disqualify an agrarian reform beneficiary and why landowners are not real parties-in-interest.
When Lawyers Serve Two Masters: Ethical Violations in Land Deals and Public Office
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer-mayor for helping circumvent land ownership rules and practicing law while in public office.
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.
Notarial Duty Consequences Of Neglecting Proper Identification IN Philippine LAW
A notary who fails to verify identities faces suspension and perpetual disqualification, as shown in a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Dishonesty in Government Service: When Is It Grounds for Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty in government service warrants dismissal, distinguishing serious, less serious, and simple dishonesty.
Residency Requirements for Government Positions: The Binay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court’s ruling in CSC v. Binay clarifies residency rules for local government appointments and why accuracy in your Personal Data Sheet matters.
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.
Dead Incorporator in Articles of Incorporation: When Misrepresentation Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deceased incorporator in the Articles of Incorporation warrants revocation, and when amendment suffices.
Extrinsic Fraud and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on how failing to implead indispensable parties and extrinsic fraud can void a title.
Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.
Fraudulent Land Patents Void Derivative Titles Even for Good-Faith Buyers
Supreme Court ruling: titles derived from fraudulently obtained land patents are void, even if current owners bought in good faith.
Malversation and Falsification: What the Cabarios Acquittal Means for Public Officials
The Supreme Court's Cabarios ruling clarifies the proof needed to convict public officials of malversation and falsification of public documents.
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.
Consent in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. San Pedro (G.R. 219850)
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on consent, evidence, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases involving a deaf-mute complainant.