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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Integrity of Court Records: Consequences of Dishonest Practices by Court Personnel
The Supreme Court underscores that clerks of court must safeguard record integrity, imposing severe penalties for dishonest insertion of documents.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution and Consequences of Delay
A judge's heavy caseload does not excuse delayed rulings. This case explains the duty to decide promptly and the penalties for failure.
Beyond Rape: When Lewd Acts Constitute Acts of Lasciviousness
The Supreme Court explains when lewd acts short of rape constitute acts of lasciviousness, and the penalties involved.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Estafa and BP 22 in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a bouncing check leads to both estafa and BP 22 violations, and how penalties are computed.
Breach of Trust: Examining Parental Accountability in Incestuous Rape Cases in the Philippines
A father convicted of raping his daughter twice. The Supreme Court affirms the conviction, clarifies penalties, and awards damages.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Sets Rules on Social Media Evidence
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove authorship of abusive Facebook posts and raises penalties when ICT is used in VAWC cases.
Double Jeopardy and Modification of Criminal Penalties: Protecting the Accused
The Supreme Court rules that courts cannot increase a convicted person's penalty on the prosecution's motion, citing double jeopardy protections.
Rape and Parental Authority: Proving Qualifying Circumstances for Enhanced Penalties
In rape cases, the death penalty requires proof of both the victim's minority and the offender's relationship. This case explains why.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.
Reevaluating Guilt Statutory Rape vs Kidnapping with Rape in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sexual offense against a minor is statutory rape rather than kidnapping with rape, and the penalties that follow.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Deceptive Sales The High Cost of Confidence Scams Under Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat confidence scams, the elements of estafa, and the penalties for deceptive sales practices.
Theft of an Aircraft: When Taking Without Consent Is Still Theft in the Philippines
A pilot's unauthorized flight of his former employer's aircraft was ruled theft. The Supreme Court clarifies intent to gain and penalties.
Rape and Robbery Conviction: Victim Testimony and Penalties for Heinous Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape and robbery with rape, victim testimony credibility, alibi defense, and penalties under RA 7659.
Estate Tax Deficiency: When Surcharges and Interest Apply Under the NIRC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate tax deficiency surcharges, interest, and penalties under the NIRC, explained for lay readers.
Unconscionable Penalties in Real Estate Contracts: Balancing Equity and Contractual Obligations
When a 3% monthly penalty on unpaid installments becomes unconscionable, Philippine courts may reduce it under Civil Code Articles 1229 and 2227.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: When Is a Waiver Really a Waiver
A look at when a court may declare a defendant's right to present evidence waived, and the penalties for bouncing checks under B.P. 22.
Treachery and Dwelling Limits on the Death Penalty in Philippine Criminal Law
Explore how Philippine courts apply treachery and dwelling as qualifying circumstances in criminal cases, and their impact on penalties.
Intent to Gain in Carnapping and Liability Through Criminal Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on intent to gain in carnapping, conspiracy liability, and penalties under the Anti-Carnapping Act.
Attempted Rape Conviction Affirmed: Court Explains Elements and Penalties
The Supreme Court affirms an attempted rape conviction, clarifying the elements, evidentiary standards, and penalties under Philippine law.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline clarifies duties to courts, consequences of misconduct, and how penalties apply to disbarred attorneys.
When Domestic Disputes Turn Deadly: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
A look at parricide under Philippine law through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cabug, explaining the crime, penalties, and evidentiary rules.
Court Employee Reprimanded for Discourtesy: Paras v. Lofranco
Court personnel must remain courteous even when provoked by lawyers; discourtesy draws administrative penalties.
Passion Proof and Penalties: When Jealousy Doesnt Equal Murder
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how accomplices are penalized.