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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Amnesty in the Philippines: Erasing Criminal Liability for Political Offenses — Lessons from People v. Patriar
How Philippine amnesty works, what it erases, and why the Supreme Court acquitted an NPA member in People v. Patriarca.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Understanding Collective Liability in Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy makes every participant liable for robbery with homicide, even if only one stabbed the victim.
Hearsay Evidence and Conspiracy in Philippine Fraud Cases: What You Should Know
Learn how Philippine courts treat hearsay evidence, conspiracy, and liability in robbery cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Supreme Court Upholds Conviction for Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, clarifying penalties and the liability of unlicensed recruiters.
Death Before Final Verdict: How Criminal and Civil Liabilities Are Extinguished in the Philippines
Learn how an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal and civil liability under Philippine law, based on People v. Abungan.
Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases: Intent and Execution Explained
How Philippine courts define treachery in murder, why it raises killing to murder, and what it means for criminal liability.
Bouncing Checks: Understanding Liability and Penalties Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court interprets BP 22 bouncing checks law, including liability, penalties, and defenses in the Philippines.
Conspiracy in Rape Cases: Collective Criminal Liability Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts apply conspiracy to hold all participants in a gang rape equally liable, even those who did not directly commit the act.
Speedy Justice: Understanding Judicial Efficiency and the Rule on Summary Procedure
A judge's one-year delay in disposing cases under the Rule on Summary Procedure results in administrative liability for inefficiency.
Gross Negligence in Handling Public Property: A Public Official's Liability for Malversation in the Philippine
Explaining when a public officer's careless handling of entrusted property becomes malversation, based on a Supreme Court ruling on lost shabu evidence.
Principals vs Accomplices: Degrees of Participation in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains the difference between principals and accomplices in Philippine criminal law, and how courts determine each participant's liability.
Employer Liability in Philippine Negligence Cases: Independent Civil Actions for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the right to file independent civil actions for damages.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability in Group Violence: Lessons from People v. Barro
When multiple attackers kill together, conspiracy makes each equally liable. The Barro case explains how courts infer conspiracy.
Trust Receipts and Estafa in the Philippines: Understanding Liability and Compliance
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified trust receipt violations, estafa liability, and probable cause in Metrobank v. Tonda.
Protecting Children: Understanding the Crime of Rape and Parental Liability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle rape cases, the rules on witness credibility, and what parents should know about liability.
Supervisory Failures in the Judiciary: Holding Clerks of Court Accountable for Negligence
A clerk of court's duty to supervise subordinates is non-negotiable. This case explains liability for neglect of duty.
Public Officials Beware: Good Faith Reliance on Subordinates Is No Shield Against Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials cannot evade graft liability by claiming reliance on subordinates, especially when approving large transactions.
Summary Judgment Denied: Genuine Issues of Authority and Liability Must Be Resolved at Trial
When can a party get summary judgment? The Supreme Court explains why genuine issues of fact—like authority to sue and liability—require a full trial.
Rape and Incest: The Importance of Specific Allegations in Rape Cases With Incestuous Elements
In People v. Antonio, the Supreme Court affirmed three rape convictions, clarified conspiracy versus accomplice liability, and restated the damages owed to a rape victim.
When Judges Face Harassment Suits: The TRO Rules and Judicial Independence
Supreme Court dismisses administrative case against two RTC judges over TRO issuance, clarifying when judicial errors become disciplinary liability.
Collective Liability and Conspiracy in Criminal Actions: People v. Aquino
When does mere presence or participation in a transaction amount to criminal conspiracy? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Aquino.
Demurrer to Evidence Reversed on Appeal: When the Court Must Decide on the Plaintiff's Evidence
Learn the consequences when a demurrer to evidence is reversed on appeal and how judicial admissions can establish liability.
Accountability in Conspiracy: Establishing Homicide Liability in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts, and why each conspirator is liable for the crimes committed by the group.
Accountability in Concerted Criminal Acts: Establishing Conspiracy and Liability
A look at how Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts and hold each conspirator liable for the crimes committed.