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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Double Sale and Estafa: When a Land Transaction Can Lead to Criminal Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a double sale of land becomes estafa, requiring deceit and damage, not mere breach of contract.
Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal OF Criminal Charges DUE TO Prosecutorial Delay
Explore how prosecutorial delay impacts speedy trial rights and when criminal charges may be dismissed in the Philippines.
Corporate Officer Liability When Signing Loan Documents Leads to Criminal Charges in the Philippines
Learn when signing loan documents as a corporate officer can trigger criminal liability in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Preventive Suspension of Court Personnel: The Case of Maripi Apolonio
Explaining preventive suspension for court personnel facing criminal charges, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in De Guzman v. Apolonio.
Preliminary Investigation After Substantial Amendment: Due Process in Amended Criminal Charges
When can prosecutors amend criminal charges without a new preliminary investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rule.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.
Precision in Criminal Charges: How a Vague Complaint Can Impact Your Rights in the Philippines
Learn how vague criminal complaints can violate your rights, and why precision in charges matters under Philippine law.
Court Personnel Conduct: When Misconduct Warrants Suspension Even Without Criminal Charges
Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of court employees for misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming a public officer.
Beyond Labels: How Factual Allegations Define Criminal Charges in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts look past the label of a complaint to its factual allegations to determine jurisdiction, as Fabia v. Court of Appeals shows.
Rape Conviction Requires Precise Allegations Protecting Due Process in Criminal Charges
The Supreme Court ruled that convicting an accused of qualified rape when the information only alleged simple rape violates due process.
The Right to Understand Criminal Charges: Due Process and Fair Trial in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts balance media coverage and due process rights of the accused in criminal trials, ensuring fair and impartial proceedings.
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.
Malversation in the Philippines: Why Failure to Liquidate Cash Advances Can Lead to Criminal Charges
A clerk of court's failure to account for missing public funds triggered malversation charges under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.
Protecting Child Rape Victims: Why Precision in Criminal Charges Matters
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction but spares his life because the information misstated his relationship to the victim.
Duplicity in Criminal Charges: How Improperly Worded Informations Can Impact Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when duplicitous informations violate an accused's right to be informed and how convictions may still stand.
Preliminary Investigation as a Substantive Right: The Duterte v. Sandiganbayan Doctrine
The right to preliminary investigation is substantive, not a mere formality. Duterte v. Sandiganbayan shows how its violation can void criminal charges.
Possession vs Intent: Understanding Illegal Firearm Charges in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on double jeopardy in illegal firearm cases, and why a prosecutor's authority matters in criminal charges.
Habeas Corpus After Criminal Charges: When Illegal Arrest No Longer Justifies Release
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus becomes moot after criminal charges are filed and bail is posted.