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.
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.
When Government Transactions Can Be Disallowed: COA's Power Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may disallow government payments and when it oversteps its audit powers in this PhilHealth case.
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.
Robbery by Extortion: When Law Enforcement Crosses the Line
Police officers who demand money to drop charges commit robbery by extortion. The Supreme Court explains why.
Rape Convictions and Victim Credibility: Lessons from a Robbery with Rape Case
The Supreme Court explains how victim testimony and conspiracy principles shape rape convictions in robbery with rape cases.
Robbery with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secures a Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Mancao on robbery with homicide, circumstantial evidence, and the presumption of guilt from possession of stolen property.
Possession Is Prima Facie Evidence: Understanding Fencing Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how mere possession of stolen goods can convict a person of fencing under PD 1612, and clarifies the proper penalty.
Qualified Theft and Circumstantial Evidence: When Conviction Stands Without Direct Proof
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for qualified theft, and how courts fix the value of stolen goods.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Lessons from People v. Uy
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why unexplained flight and possession of stolen goods matter.
Theft Beyond Tangibles: When Telecom Services Became Personal Property
The Supreme Court ruled that telephone services and business can be the object of theft under the Revised Penal Code.
The Perils of Alibi: Positive Identification Overrides Defense in Robbery and Rape Case
In People v. Gayeta, the Supreme Court affirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over an alibi defense in robbery and rape convictions.
Possession of Stolen Cattle and Proof of Guilt in Anti-Cattle Rustling Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how possession of stolen cattle establishes guilt beyond reasonable doubt under the Anti-Cattle Rustling Law.
Theft Is Consummated Upon Taking: Debunking the Myth of Frustrated Theft
The Supreme Court clarifies that theft is consummated the moment the offender takes property with intent to gain, even if later apprehended.
Fencing Conviction Reversed: Proving Knowledge of Stolen Goods in Philippine Law
Supreme Court acquits jeweler of fencing, stressing the need for competent proof of value and knowledge that goods were stolen.
Theft Conviction Affirmed: Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on theft conviction, eyewitness credibility, conspiracy, and alibi defenses explained in plain language.
How the Prosecution Proves Intent to Gain in Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court explains how intent to gain is proven in robbery with homicide cases, using People v. Del Rosario as a guide.
Customs Forfeiture in the Philippines: Illegal Removal of Goods and the Buyer Beware Rule
When goods are illegally removed from customs custody, forfeiture can reach any buyer, even one claiming good faith. Learn the rules.
Fencing in the Philippines: Why Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt Matters – Tan v. People Case Analysis
Fencing charges require proof beyond reasonable doubt of every element, including knowledge the goods were stolen. Tan v. People shows why.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
Circumstantial Evidence and the Right Against Self-Incrimination in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction and why the right against self-incrimination does not cover physical evidence.
Anti-Fencing Law in the Philippines: Possession and Legal Presumptions
The Anti-Fencing Law criminalizes dealing in stolen goods. Mere possession creates a presumption of fencing. Learn how to protect yourself.
Fencing in the Philippines: Knowledge and Presumptions Under the Anti-Fencing Law
Explaining the elements of fencing under P.D. 1612, the presumption of knowledge from possession, and how receipts can rebut it.