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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The Searching Inquiry: Why Guilty Pleas in Capital Cases Demand Extra Care
Philippine Supreme Court explains why guilty pleas to capital offenses require a searching inquiry to protect the accused's constitutional rights.
Safeguarding Justice: The Vital Searching Inquiry for Guilty Pleas in Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why courts must conduct a searching inquiry before accepting admissions or guilty pleas in capital offenses.
Bail Hearings Are Non-Waivable: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Criminal Procedure
The Supreme Court reaffirms that bail hearings in capital offenses are mandatory and cannot be waived, dismissing a judge who granted bail without one.
Protecting the Accused: The Vital Searching Inquiry in Philippine Capital Offense Cases
A guilty plea in a capital case demands a searching inquiry. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Sevilleno.
Improvident Guilty Plea in Capital Offenses: When a Conviction Still Stands
A flawed guilty plea in a capital case doesn't automatically void a conviction if prosecution evidence independently proves guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Bail Denied When Evidence of Guilt Is Strong in Philippine Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bail must be denied in capital offenses and why trial judges must summarize prosecution evidence.
Mandatory Bail Hearings in Capital Offenses: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules bail in capital offenses requires mandatory hearing; judges fined for granting bail without due process.
When Is a Bail Hearing Required in the Philippines? Key Rules from a 1997 SC Ruling
Philippine courts must hold a bail hearing in capital offenses even if the prosecutor waives it. Learn the rules from Cortes v. Catral.
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.
Judicial Accountability: Why Courts Must Follow Procedure in Capital Cases
Philippine Supreme Court annuls death sentence in rape case, reminding trial courts that guilty pleas in capital offenses require full evidentiary proof.
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.