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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Extortion Under the Color of Authority: Understanding Simple Robbery in the Philippines
When court employees demand money to perform official duties, they commit simple robbery. The Supreme Court explains why in Peralta v. People.
Cyber-Enabled Robbery in the Philippines: How RA 10175 Raises Penalties for Digital Extortion
Learn how the Supreme Court applies the Cybercrime Prevention Act to robbery committed through digital means, and why penalties are one degree higher.
Robbery and Cybercrime: Protecting Yourself From Digital Extortion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how online threats to expose intimate photos can constitute robbery, and why the Cybercrime Prevention Act raises the penalty.
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.
Time Limits in Medical Negligence Claims: Understanding Prescription in Philippine Law
When does a medical negligence claim expire in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the four-year prescription period for tort-based actions.
When a Corporate Dispute Is Not Intra-Corporate: Tortious Interference and Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when a suit for tortious interference against third parties is an ordinary civil action, not an intra-corporate dispute.
Tortious Interference vs. Intra-Corporate Dispute: Jurisdiction in Corporate Conflicts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate conflict is a civil tort case or an intra-corporate dispute, and which court has jurisdiction.
Robbery vs. Direct Bribery: What the Remolano Case Teaches About Due Process
The Supreme Court's Remolano ruling clarifies when extortion is robbery or bribery—and why accurate criminal charges are essential to due process.
Falsifying Court Orders: When Court Personnel Betray the Public Trust
A court stenographer who faked an order and certificate of finality to extort money was dismissed. Learn the legal consequences.
Environmental Tort and Negligence: Protecting Property Owners From Damages
Learn how the Supreme Court addressed environmental tort, negligence, and property damages in a case involving Lake Lanao flooding.
Contractual Obligations and Tortious Interference in Philippine Media Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on talent contracts, breach, and tortious interference in the media industry.
Robbery With Intimidation in the Digital Age: When Online Threats Become a Crime
The Supreme Court affirms that using Facebook threats to extort money constitutes robbery with intimidation under Philippine law.
Court Personnel Disbarred for Extorting Litigant Over Court Document
Supreme Court penalizes court interpreter for demanding money to release a litigant's property document, imposing fine and disqualification.
Maritime Liability in Vessel Collisions: Fault, Insurance Claims, and the Code of Commerce
When vessels collide, determining liability depends on the cause of action—contract or tort. The Supreme Court clarifies the governing rules.
Disbarment for Extortion: Upholding Ethical Standards in Public Service
The Supreme Court disbarred a government lawyer for extortion, reaffirming that public office amplifies a lawyer's ethical duties.
Court Personnel Extortion: When Demanding Money for Court Documents Is Gross Misconduct
A court interpreter who demanded money to release a litigant's document was found guilty of gross misconduct, bribery, and graft.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Intent and Deprivation of Liberty Explained
The Supreme Court explains what constitutes kidnapping for ransom, including the intent to extort and how deprivation of liberty is proven.
Disbarment for Sexual Harassment and Exploitation: Lessons from Atty. De Los Reyes
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for sextortion and gross immorality, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for lawyers.
Ransom and Restraint: Defining Kidnapping for Extortion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of kidnapping for ransom under Article 267, showing how extortion and deprivation of liberty define the crime.
When Public Servants Cross the Line: Extortion Under the Guise of Authority
Philippine law on extortion by public officers, the elements of the crime, and what constitutes abuse of authority.
Upholding Attorneys Duty Demand Letters AND Ethical Boundaries IN Legal Representation
Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's demand letter is legitimate advocacy versus unethical extortion, dismissing disbarment case against Atty. Freddie Feir.
Grave Misconduct in Government Service: When Dismissal Is the Only Penalty
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of immigration officer for extortion and grave misconduct, ruling first offense cannot mitigate penalty.
Wage Increases and Management Prerogative: Balancing CBA Terms and Business Discretion
When can an employer set hiring rates above CBA wage increases without causing wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains.
When Police Power Becomes Criminal Extortion As Kidnapping FOR Ransom
A police officer who kidnaps and extorts ransom acts in a private capacity and may be prosecuted for kidnapping under Article 267, even if the victim was later arrested for drugs.