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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Rape and Robbery: How Philippine Courts Determine Criminal Intent
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguished rape from robbery with rape, and why the accused's original intent matters in criminal prosecution.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: When Protection Against Repeated Prosecution Applies
Understand when double jeopardy protects an accused in the Philippines, and when it does not, based on Cudia v. Court of Appeals.
Malicious Prosecution: Probable Cause and Legal Malice in Unfair Competition Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing unfair competition charges constitutes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of absent probable cause and legal malice.
Reasonable Doubt and Acquittal: When Lack of Evidence Overcomes Presumption of Innocence
In People v. Vasquez, the Supreme Court acquitted two brothers of murder, ruling that weak prosecution evidence and physical evidence cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Consent and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Antido
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Antido clarifies how consent and intimidation are weighed in rape prosecutions.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Proving Lack of License Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a man of illegal firearm possession because the prosecution failed to prove he lacked a license—a key element.
When a Guilty Plea Does Not Admit Aggravating Circumstances: The Baldimo Case
A guilty plea in capital cases no longer admits aggravating circumstances; prosecution must prove them beyond reasonable doubt.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Legal Malice Explained
Learn the three elements of malicious prosecution in the Philippines, including probable cause and legal malice, from the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling.
Bail in Capital Offenses: When Is a Hearing Mandatory?
A judge must hold a hearing before granting bail in capital offenses, even if the prosecution does not object. Learn the rule.
When Judges Overstep in Preliminary Investigations: A Lesson from Depamaylo v. Brotarlo
A judge reduced murder to homicide to grant bail, ignored prosecution rights, and was fined P20,000 for misconduct.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How It Affects Search Warrants and Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forum shopping applies to search warrant applications, and seized property cannot be held indefinitely without criminal prosecution.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: Can You Be Tried Twice for the Same Crime?
Understand the double jeopardy rule in the Philippines, its constitutional basis, and how courts apply it to prevent repeated prosecution for the same offense.
Rape Conviction Understanding Credibility OF Witnesses AND Victim Testimony IN Philippine LAW
Philippine courts rely on credible witness testimony in rape cases. This article explains how trial courts assess victim credibility and prosecution evidence.
State Witness vs Prosecution Witness: Key Differences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between a state witness and a prosecution witness in criminal cases.
Bail in the Philippines: When Is a Hearing Required in Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that bail in capital offenses requires a hearing, even if the prosecution recommends bail.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The Imperative of Voluntariness in Rape Cases
In People v. Subido, the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused, emphasizing that the prosecution must prove force and lack of voluntariness beyond reasonable doubt.