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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Statutory Rape and Credibility: What People v. Piosang Teaches Philippine Litigants
A child rape conviction shows how Philippine courts weigh a young victim's testimony, reject alibi, and fix penalties and damages under the Revised Penal Code.
Habeas Corpus and Libel: Limits of Retroactive Application of Favorable Penalties
When can a convict seek habeas corpus and demand retroactive application of a favorable penalty rule? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Falsifying Time Records Defining Dishonesty in Public Service
Explaining how false DTR entries constitute dishonesty in Philippine public service, citing the Magbanua case and its penalties.
Court Personnel Neglect of Duty: When Delayed Case Records Trigger Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simple neglect of duty by court personnel who delayed transmitting appeal records, with penalties explained.
Judgment in Absentia: Balancing Due Process and Timely Justice in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when judgment in absentia is valid, the limits of appeal, and how courts correct illegal penalties despite finality.
Balancing Employee Discipline AND Compassion THE Illegality OF Disproportionate Dismissals
When is dismissal too harsh? The Supreme Court rules on proportionate penalties in labor discipline cases.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court affirms that public Facebook posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalties for ICT use.
Unraveling Sequestration When Government Claims Meet Private Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the Migrant Workers Act, including illegal recruitment penalties and the joint liability rule for corporate officers.
Accountability for Band Robbery and Kidnapping: Upholding Victim Rights and Public Safety
Supreme Court affirms convictions for robbery by a band and kidnapping for ransom, clarifying penalties, damages, and the weight of witness credibility.
Understanding Habitual Tardiness in Philippine Government Service: Rules and Consequences
A clear guide to the rules on habitual tardiness in Philippine government service, including the legal basis, penalties, and practical compliance tips.
Dishonesty in Civil Service Exams: Impersonation Leads to Dismissal and Perpetual Disqualification
The Supreme Court dismisses a court stenographer for letting someone take her Civil Service exam, ruling it is dishonesty with grave penalties.
Falsification of Official Documents: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's DTR falsification underscores that public office is a public trust and dishonesty merits severe penalties.
Age Discrepancies in Statutory Rape: Reassessing Penalties Under Special Laws and the Revised Penal Code
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a child victim's age determines whether an offender is charged with statutory rape or sexual abuse under RA 7610.
Altering Court Orders: When Court Personnel Commit Dishonesty
A court legal researcher altered a judge's order after retirement. The Supreme Court ruled on dishonesty and penalties for court personnel.
Attempted Estafa in the Philippines: Proving Intent to Defraud and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts prove intent to defraud in attempted estafa cases, the elements of the crime, and the applicable penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Death Abates Criminal and Civil Liability: Understanding Extinguishment of Penalties in Philippine Law
When an accused dies pending appeal, both criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Upholding Integrity: Consequences of Misconduct for Court Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on grave misconduct by court employees, explaining penalties, ethical standards, and why resignation does not erase liability.
Breach of Trust: The Price of Corruption for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on estafa by abuse of confidence, explaining the crime, penalties, and why deceit need not be proven.
Brief Detention Still Counts: Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention in the Philippines
Even one hour of illegal restraint can be kidnapping of a minor. Learn the elements and penalties under Article 267.
Parental Liability in Statutory Rape: Philippine Law and Child Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape by a parent, penalties under RA 9346, and damages awarded to minor victims.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Proving Social Media Authorship and Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and raises penalties when psychological abuse is committed online.
Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Understanding the Nuances and Penalties
A father's conviction clarifies the line between rape by sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness under Philippine law, and the penalties each crime carries.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties for ICT Use in VAWC Cases
Supreme Court clarifies how social media authorship is proven and raises penalties when VAWC crimes use ICT.
Robbery With Homicide and Conspiracy: Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability for robbery with homicide, conspiracy, and penalties under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code.