Philippine Law, Simplified for Everyone”
Preview Privacy is one of the most valuable rights we have, yet in today’s digital world, smartphones, hidden cameras, and social media make it easier than ever to violate. A single click can turn private moments or intimate images into public exposure — often without consent. In response, the Philippines enacted Republic Act No. 9995 … Read more
In the Philippines, many people believe that if you cannot afford to pay bail, you must stay in jail until your trial ends. This is not true. Thanks to Release on Recognizance Philippines (RA 10389), indigent accused can secure temporary liberty without paying a single peso. Under the Recognizance Act of 2012, qualified individuals may … Read more
Quick Answer:In the Philippines, voluntary surrender does not automatically mean jail. If your offense is bailable, you may be released the same day upon posting bail. For non‑bailable crimes, you must remain in custody, but surrender can still work in your favor as a mitigating circumstance during sentencing or plea negotiations. Finding out that there’s … Read more
What if one decision—made after committing a crime—could mean years less in prison? Facing criminal charges in the Philippines can be overwhelming—but one decision can significantly reduce your prison time. Voluntary surrender is a mitigating circumstance under Article 13 of the Revised Penal Code. It happens when an accused, before arrest, voluntarily submits to a … Read more
The Supreme Court (SC) has set guideposts for proving who owns or controls a social media account in criminal cases. The ruling came from a case where an individual was convicted of psychological violence under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (Anti-VAWC) Act through posts made on Facebook. In a Decision authored by Associate … Read more
The Supreme Court (SC) En Banc has dismissed and disbarred Judge Oscar D. Tomarong, Presiding Judge of Branch 28, Regional Trial Court (RTC), Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, for his involvement in the murder of fellow judge Reymar L. Lacaya. The decision followed disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) after Judge Tomarong’s criminal … Read more
The Supreme Court (SC) has clarified that the correct legal term under Article 266-A(1)(a) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) is rape, not “simple rape.” The ruling emphasizes the severity of the crime and aims to prevent its trivialization in court decisions and public discourse. In a Decision authored by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul … Read more
Preview The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that bank deposits remain confidential under Philippine law, but limited account holder information may be disclosed in cybercrime investigations when authorized by a court-issued warrant under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. 📌 In Simple Terms: The Supreme Court ruled that while your bank deposits are private, banks … Read more
The Philippine Supreme Court has upheld protection for environmental advocates Jonila F. Castro and Jhed Reiyana C. Tamano, reinforcing the power of the writ of amparo and writ of habeas data as urgent remedies when life, liberty, or security is at risk. In a landmark decision, the Court refused to lift safeguards that keep military … Read more
Definition: Prima facie is a Latin term that means “at first sight” or “on its face.” In law, it refers to evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless disproved or rebutted. In simpler terms, a prima facie case exists when the evidence presented is strong enough that a court … Read more