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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Usurpation of Official Functions: When Suspension Does Not Stop Official Acts
A suspended mayor who continued solemnizing marriages and issuing permits was convicted of usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the RPC.
Understanding Consent and Force in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies force, threat, intimidation, and the "sweetheart theory" in rape convictions under Article 266-A of the RPC.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Protecting Children Under Philippine Law
Explaining statutory rape vs. acts of lasciviousness, and why an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
Death of Accused Before Final Conviction Extinguishes Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto under Article 89 of the RPC.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and the civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the RPC.
Accountability for All: Criminal Liability and Kidnapping for Ransom Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom clarifies liability of principals and accomplices under Article 267, RPC.
Proximate Cause in Homicide: Liability for Unintended Fatal Consequences
A punch that led to a fatal fall still means homicide. The Supreme Court explains proximate cause and criminal liability under Article 4 of the RPC.
Unlawful Appointments: Does Temporary Disqualification Mean Lack of Legal Qualification?
Supreme Court clarifies that temporary disqualification of losing candidates constitutes lack of legal qualification under Article 244, RPC.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Falsification by Public Officials Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over falsification cases and how public officials may be convicted under the RPC.
Prescription of Offenses: When Filing a Complaint Interrupts the Prescriptive Period
Learn how filing a complaint interrupts prescription of offenses in the Philippines, and when the prescriptive period resumes under Article 91 of the RPC.
Incestuous Sexual Abuse: When It Is Acts of Lasciviousness, Not RA 7610
SC clarifies when incestuous lewd acts on a sleeping child are acts of lasciviousness under the RPC, not RA 7610.
Libel Venue: Where Does the Case Belong Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel venue rules under Article 360, RPC—where to file cases and why allegations matter.
When Does Prescription of Penalties Begin? The Doctrine of Evasion of Sentence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes while serving imprisonment.
Prescription of Penalties: Imprisonment Must Begin Before Evasion Can Trigger Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes during actual imprisonment, not while at large.
Misrepresentation and Estafa: When Silence Isn't Golden in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa under Article 316(2) RPC, the need for express misrepresentation, and civil liability for bad faith sales.
Insanity Plea in Philippine Law: Proving Mental Capacity at the Time of the Offense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense under Article 12(1) RPC, the burden of proof, and timing requirements for psychiatric examination.
Can Administrative Dismissal Extinguish Criminal Liability? A Philippine Case Study
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that dismissal of administrative charges does not extinguish criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
Custodial Rights and Deliberate Failure: Defining Kidnapping in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that kidnapping under Article 270 RPC requires deliberate, persistent refusal to return a minor to parents.