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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Lone Witness Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts assess a lone witness's credibility in criminal cases, and why positive identification defeats alibi.
The Fine Line: Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, evidence, and the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal prosecutions.
Murder Reduced to Homicide: When Treachery and Conspiracy Are Not Proven
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and conspiracy fail in criminal cases, reducing murder to homicide.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bouncing Checks and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
When do civil disputes suspend criminal cases for bouncing checks? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on prejudicial questions in Sabandal v. Tongco.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion in Anti-Graft Cases: Odin Security Agency v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court explains when courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause and the limits of certiorari review in graft cases.
Clerk of Court Fined for Dereliction of Duty in Delayed Case Transmittal
Supreme Court holds Clerk of Court liable for inefficiency and incompetence after 10-month delay in transmitting court orders and records in a criminal case.
Homicide vs Murder: Proving Intent and Circumstances in Criminal Cases
How Philippine courts distinguish murder from homicide through qualifying circumstances like treachery, and why intent alone is not enough.
From Murder to Homicide: Proving Treachery and Intent in Criminal Cases
When qualifying circumstances like treachery aren't proven beyond reasonable doubt, a murder charge may be reduced to homicide.
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.
Unlawful Arrest and Search: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Criminal Proceedings
Explore how unlawful arrest and search affect criminal cases, and learn about protecting constitutional rights in Philippine criminal proceedings.
State Witness Credibility: The Imperative of Unbiased Testimony in Graft Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, bias, and the weight of testimony in criminal cases.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Attempted Rape: Credibility of Witnesses Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attempted rape, witness credibility, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
The Perils of Compromise When Legal Counsel Exceeds Authority in Criminal Cases
Learn how defective pretrial notice can void default judgments and why counsel's authority to compromise has strict limits.
When a Judge Crosses the Line: Interference in a Criminal Case and the Price of Impropriety
A Court of Appeals justice was dismissed for trying to influence a prosecutor in a drug case. This article explains the ruling and its lessons.
Double Jeopardy and Reinstatement of Dismissed Cases: The Speedy Trial Exception
When can a dismissed criminal case be reinstated without violating double jeopardy? The Supreme Court explains the speedy trial exception.
Overcoming Alibi and Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Cases
How the Supreme Court treats alibi versus positive identification, using a rape case where a stepfather's defense failed.
Judicial Overreach: What Happens When a Judge Exceeds Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases
A judge issued arrest warrants after losing jurisdiction over a case. The Supreme Court ruled it was gross ignorance of the law.
Unwavering Testimony: How Philippine Courts Uphold Victim Credibility in Rape Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess witness credibility in criminal cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Navarro as a guide.
Eyewitness Testimony AND Alibi Defense Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Criminal Cases
When Flight Equals Guilt Examining Evidence AND Treachery IN Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions, clarifying flight, treachery, and evidence rules in criminal cases.
Parental Authority and the Burden of Proof in Philippine Illegal Recruitment Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on large-scale illegal recruitment, the burden of proof, and why parental authority matters in criminal cases.
Acquittal Based on Reasonable Doubt Extends to Co-Accused Despite Withdrawn Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how an acquittal based on reasonable doubt affects co-accused and withdrawn appeals in criminal cases.
Motion for Bill of Particulars: Ensuring Clarity in Philippine Criminal Informations
Learn when a bill of particulars is needed in Philippine criminal cases and why vague dates in an information may not be fatal.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short in Philippine Criminal Cases
When circumstantial evidence fails to form an unbroken chain pointing to guilt, Philippine courts must acquit. This case explains why.