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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Habeas Corpus in the Philippines: Understanding Its Limits and Proper Use in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in criminal cases, using a 1999 death penalty ruling as guide.
Proving Guilt Beyond Doubt: How Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how circumstantial evidence and credible witness testimony can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Determine Credibility in Criminal Cases
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, not just testimony quantity. Learn how the Supreme Court evaluates eyewitness accounts in rape cases.
Reopening a Criminal Case: When Courts Abuse Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case against Miriam Defensor Santiago, ruling it was grave abuse of discretion.
Reopening a Closed Case: Abuse of Discretion and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can a court reopen a criminal case after evidence is closed? The Santiago ruling explains the limits and due process requirements.
When Courts May Reopen a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a trial court may reopen a criminal case after the parties have rested, and the limits of that discretion.
Reopening a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed: The Santiago v. Sandiganbayan Guide
When can a court reopen a criminal case to hear more evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits and the due process rights of the accused.
When Alibi Fails: The Weakness of Alibi in Philippine Criminal Defense
Learn why alibi is the weakest defense in Philippine criminal cases, and what the Supreme Court requires for it to prosper.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Indispensable Cooperation
Learn how Philippine courts establish conspiracy in criminal cases, using the 1999 rape decision in People v. Banela as a guide.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Eyewitness Testimony Matters
Learn how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, positive identification, denial, and alibi in criminal cases, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Eyewitness Testimony and Murder Conviction: Insights from the De la Cruz Case
How a single eyewitness's positive identification secured a murder conviction and what it means for criminal cases in the Philippines.
Premature Arraignment in Philippine Criminal Cases: Why Timing Matters in Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when arraignment may proceed and why premature arraignment violates due process in criminal proceedings.
Due Process and Rape Convictions: Why Precise Charge Wording Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, force and intimidation, sweetheart defense, and due process in criminal cases.
Why Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why credible eyewitness identification outweighs denial and alibi in murder convictions.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Alibis Often Fail
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows why positive identification trumps weak defenses like alibi and denial in Philippine criminal cases.
Integrity in the Judiciary: Why Honesty in Your Judicial Application Matters
A judge concealed a pending criminal case in his application to the Judicial and Bar Council. The Supreme Court dismissed him for dishonesty, underscoring that candor is a non-negotiable qualification
Protecting Your Right to Present Evidence: Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts protect the right to present evidence and ensure due process in criminal cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Credibility Is Key: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize Victim Testimony in Criminal Cases
Philippine courts give great weight to trial court findings on witness credibility. Learn why in People v. De la Cruz.
Admissibility of Confessions: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when confessions are admissible and how constitutional rights against self-incrimination are protected in criminal proceedings.
Judicial Ethics in the Philippines: Impartiality, Evidence, and the Presumption of Innocence
A look at how the Supreme Court upholds judicial ethics by demanding impartiality and rigorous evidence review in criminal cases.
Unreliable Affidavit? Why Courtroom Testimony Reigns Supreme in Philippine Criminal Cases
In People v. De Guzman, the Supreme Court ruled that courtroom testimony prevails over affidavits and police reports, explaining why.
Credibility of Witness Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: A Supreme Court Analysis
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against alibi and denial in criminal cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Determine Eyewitness Credibility in Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in criminal cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on murder.
Understanding Amnesty vs Pardon in the Philippines: Key Differences and Implications
Learn the crucial differences between amnesty and pardon in Philippine law, their legal effects, and why the distinction matters for criminal cases.