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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Death Abates Criminal Liability: Supreme Court Clarifies Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its exceptions.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Conviction Upheld: Lessons on Appeal Limits
Supreme Court affirms large scale illegal recruitment conviction, raises fine to P5M, and explains why erroneous estafa penalties can no longer be corrected.
Judicial Conduct: Balancing Religious Freedom and Impartiality in Court
A judge's use of Bible verses and remarks on sexual orientation during a preliminary conference drew administrative penalties from the Supreme Court.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalties When Committed Through Social Media
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, and why using Facebook raises the penalty by one degree.
Reckless Imprudence Penalties for Damage to Property and Physical Injuries
Explaining how Philippine courts penalize reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and physical injuries, based on a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Social Media Authorship in VAWC Cases: Key Lessons from G.R. No. 274842
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove authorship of Facebook posts in VAWC cases and raises penalties when ICT is used.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Understanding Statutory Rape: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies statutory rape and qualified statutory rape, penalties, damages, and evidentiary rules under Philippine law.
Understanding Due Process in Government Audits: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on an administrative case clarifies due process, misconduct, and penalties for government employees.
Understanding Qualified Rape and Child Abuse Penalties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape is qualified, why the penalty was reduced here, and what child abuse requires.
Understanding Kidnapping for Ransom: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies kidnapping for ransom elements, conspiracy, accomplice liability, and penalties under Philippine law.
Child Sexual Abuse Under RA 7610: Key Ruling on Section 5(b) vs. 10(a)
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual abuse of a child falls under Section 5(b) rather than 10(a) of RA 7610, affecting penalties and prosecution.
Understanding the Consequences of Accepting Unauthorized Benefits: A Guide for Public Officials
COA personnel who accepted prohibited benefits from a GOCC were dismissed for grave misconduct. Learn the rules and penalties.
Understanding Penalties and Probation: Key Insights From a Landmark Social Security Fraud Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies penalties for SSS fraud, probation disqualification, and why courts cannot impose outdated sentences.
Estafa and Falsification: How RA 10951 Changed Penalties in Philippine Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how RA 10951 reduced penalties for estafa and falsification, affecting sentencing and probation eligibility.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.
Understanding Gross Misconduct: Court Employee's Handling of Bail Money
Court process server found guilty of gross misconduct for receiving bail money from litigants. Learn the rules and penalties.
Understanding Qualified Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault: Protecting Minors in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts distinguish qualified statutory rape from sexual assault against minors, and the penalties that follow.
Parricide Penalties in the Philippines: How Voluntary Surrender Affects Sentencing
Learn how mitigating circumstances like voluntary surrender affect parricide penalties under Philippine law, based on People v. Padilla.
Child Trafficking and Abuse: Legal Protections and Consequences in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of qualified trafficking and child prostitution, and the penalties for those who exploit minors for profit.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, with insights from People v. Santiago on qualifying circumstances and penalties.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct and the Limits of Affidavits of Desistance in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when affidavits of desistance fail to absolve an accused and clarifies penalties for estafa and graft.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence Duties AND Consequences IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and the penalties that follow.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct: Bias and Ignorance in Estate Administration
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross ignorance of the law and bias in estate proceedings, and the penalties imposed.