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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Unlocking Bank Secrets: The AMLC's Role in Financial Transparency and Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies the AMLC's duty to disclose bank records in criminal cases, balancing confidentiality with prosecution.
Understanding Treachery and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy doctrines in a murder conviction, and what this means for criminal cases.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Domestic Violence and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows why lawyers face discipline for domestic violence—even when criminal cases are dismissed.
Prescription and Speedy Disposition in Philippine Criminal Cases: Key Insights
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period for graft cases begins and what constitutes inordinate delay.
Discovery in Criminal Cases: Why Requests for Admission Do Not Apply
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that requests for admission under Rule 26 apply only to civil cases, not criminal proceedings.
Understanding Inordinate Delay and Your Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine inordinate delay in criminal cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Quemado v. Sandiganbayan.
Who May Appeal a Criminal Case Dismissal? The Rule on Private Complainants
A private complainant cannot question the dismissal of a criminal case; only the OSG may appeal the criminal aspect. Learn the rule.
Understanding the Limits of Private Complainants in Challenging Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat private complainants' appeals in criminal case dismissals, including standing and procedural rules.
Understanding Double Jeopardy Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal of a criminal case does not trigger double jeopardy, using the Anti-Hazing Law case of Castañeda v. People.
Prejudicial Questions in Criminal Cases: The Mathay Ruling on Corporate Share Disputes
When a civil case over corporate shares determines guilt in a criminal case, proceedings must be suspended. The Mathay ruling explained.
Moral Character and Bar Admission: Overcoming Obstacles to Legal Practice
How the Supreme Court weighed pending criminal cases against moral fitness in bar admission, and when a bar applicant may finally take the oath.
Directors' Liability for SSS Contributions: When Courts May Deny Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on directors' liability for unpaid SSS contributions and the trial court's discretion in criminal cases.
Finality of Court Control Over Criminal Cases: SSS v. Seno on Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in SSS v. Seno on trial court discretion over motions to withdraw criminal informations and due process limits.
Navigating Probable Cause: The Ombudsman's Role in Philippine Criminal Prosecutions
This article explains the Ombudsman's power to determine probable cause in criminal cases, its limits, and the legal principles governing prosecutorial discretion in the Philippines.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Robbery with Homicide: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence and conspiracy, and what this means for criminal cases.
Ensuring Swift Justice: The Importance of Timely Case Disposition in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's undue delay in disposing a criminal case underscores why timely case disposition is vital to Philippine justice.
Prolonged Preliminary Investigation and Speedy Disposition: What the Supreme Court Said
A dismissed criminal case for failure to prosecute raises the question: when does delay violate the right to speedy disposition of cases?
From Murder to Homicide: Proving Treachery and Superior Strength in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and abuse of superior strength qualify killing as murder, and when they don't.
Ombudsman Decisions: Appealing Criminal vs Administrative Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes inordinate delay in Ombudsman criminal cases from administrative proceedings, and what this means for respondents.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutorial findings and the limits of a private complainant's right to appeal criminal case dismissals.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.
Judicial Review of Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Hasty Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan's power to dismiss criminal cases when evidence fails to establish probable cause against accused public officials.
Drug Use and Due Process: When a Quashed Search Warrant Does Not Erase Administrative Liability
A sheriff dismissed for drug use despite quashed search warrant—why administrative cases stand apart from criminal cases.