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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Malicious Prosecution Claims Against Prosecutors: The Drilon v. Court of Appeals Ruling
When can prosecutors be sued for damages after filing criminal charges? The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of malicious prosecution and the protection of good faith.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Malicious Prosecution: Balancing Public Duty and Individual Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may be sued for damages, balancing prosecutorial discretion against protection from malicious prosecution claims.
Incestuous Rape Protecting Victims Rights AND Ensuring DUE Process IN Criminal Prosecutions
Amending Informations After Arraignment: Rights of the Accused vs. Prosecutorial Efficiency
When can the prosecution amend an Information after arraignment? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on substantial vs. formal amendments.
Familial Betrayal and the Burden of Proof: Rethinking Rape Convictions in the Philippines
In People v. Freta, the Supreme Court reduced a father's death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove his daughter's minority.
Rape and the Requisite Allegations: Protecting Due Process in Criminal Prosecutions
The Supreme Court clarifies that special qualifying circumstances like relationship must be alleged in the information to justify the death penalty for rape.
Demurrer to Evidence: The Accused's Right vs. the Trial Court's Discretion
A demurrer to evidence tests the prosecution's case, but trial courts hold broad discretion. Learn the limits of this remedy.
No License, No Case: Understanding Illegal Recruitment Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a recruiter for lack of POEA certification, clarifying the prosecution's burden in illegal recruitment cases.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Over Frame-Up Defenses in Philippine Drug Cases
How Philippine courts weigh prosecution evidence against frame-up and denial defenses in drug cases, and why reasonable doubt must prevail.
Bigamy and Annulment in the Philippines: When Can a Civil Case Stop a Criminal Charge
Learn when a civil annulment case can suspend a bigamy prosecution, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Arthur Te v. Court of Appeals.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: Why Notice of Dishonor Is Crucial in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court acquits check issuers where the prosecution failed to prove notice of dishonor, underscoring due process in BP 22 cases.
Malicious Prosecution: Protecting Reputation and Business Interests From Unfounded Legal Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing a baseless lawsuit becomes malicious prosecution, entitling victims to moral, exemplary, and compensatory damages.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding the Villarba Case
The Villarba case clarifies how Philippine courts treat treachery and conspiracy in murder prosecutions, shaping criminal liability.
Premature Filing of Malicious Prosecution Suits: When Can You Claim Damages?
Learn when a malicious prosecution suit can prosper under Philippine law—the key element of final acquittal or dismissal explained.
Confessions and Counsel: Safeguarding Rights in Robbery With Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an extrajudicial confession is valid and how the right to counsel is protected in robbery with homicide prosecutions.
Demurrer to Evidence in the Philippines: When Can a Criminal Case Be Dismissed for Insufficient Proof
Learn when Philippine courts grant a demurrer to evidence, the certiorari exception, and how inadmissible prosecution evidence can lead to acquittal.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: How Inconsistent Eyewitness Testimony Can Overturn a Murder Conviction in the Phili
The Supreme Court acquits a murder convict when prosecution eyewitness testimony collapses under material inconsistencies, reaffirming the proof-beyond-reasonable-doubt standard.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Why Proving the Relationship Matters
A look at People v. Garcia, where the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove the stepfather relationship.
The Power of Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Robbery with Homicide Cases
How positive eyewitness identification overcomes alibi and denial in robbery with homicide prosecutions, as shown in People v. Carugal.
When Eyewitness Testimony Fails: Acquittal in Double Murder With Frustrated Murder Case
Supreme Court acquits Edgar Bacalso after prosecution witnesses' improbable testimony fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Double Jeopardy and Split Prosecution: Evalle v. People on Falsification and Theft
Supreme Court acquits accountant on double jeopardy grounds after State split one act into separate falsification and theft cases.
Reasonable Doubt and Due Process in Criminal Cases: The Arco Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court’s ruling in People v. Arco underscores the presumption of innocence and the prosecution’s burden in criminal cases.
Beyond Eyewitnesses: Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining what this means for criminal prosecutions in the Philippines.
Why a Court Declaration of Nullity Is Crucial to Avoid Bigamy in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a prior judicial declaration of nullity is essential before remarrying, and why a pending nullity case cannot suspend a bigamy prosecution.