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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Criminal VS Civil When A Civil Court Ruling Doesnt Stop A Criminal Trial
A civil court ruling that seems to favor the accused does not automatically stop a criminal prosecution. Learn the rules on prejudicial questions, res judicata, and motion to quash.
Judicial Independence vs Executive Discretion in Criminal Prosecution: The Santos v. Orda Ruling
When may a court grant a prosecutor's motion to withdraw an information? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial deference to the DOJ.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Critical Role of Victim Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Law
Philippine courts rely heavily on victim testimony in rape cases. Learn how the Supreme Court weighs credibility and what it means for criminal prosecutions.
Judicial Independence VS Ombudsmans Authority Protecting Labor Arbiters From Unwarranted Criminal Prosecution
Eyewitness Identification Under Scrutiny: Safeguarding Against Mistaken Identity in Criminal Cases
Philippine courts examine eyewitness identification procedures to prevent wrongful convictions from mistaken identity in criminal prosecutions.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: Civil Case Does Not Automatically Suspend Estafa Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case can suspend a criminal prosecution for estafa through falsification of public documents.
The Unbreakable Chain: How Circumstantial Evidence and a Guilty Plea Led to a Death Sentence in a Rape-Homicid
A look at how circumstantial evidence and a guilty plea can lead to the death penalty in a Philippine rape-homicide case, and what this means for criminal prosecutions.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Individual Rights In Criminal Prosecution
The presumption of innocence and the prosecution's burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt are fundamental safeguards in Philippine criminal law.
The Fine Line: Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, evidence, and the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal prosecutions.
Incestuous Rape Protecting Victims Rights AND Ensuring DUE Process IN Criminal Prosecutions
Rape and the Requisite Allegations: Protecting Due Process in Criminal Prosecutions
The Supreme Court clarifies that special qualifying circumstances like relationship must be alleged in the information to justify the death penalty for rape.
Beyond Eyewitnesses: Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining what this means for criminal prosecutions in the Philippines.
Delaying Justice When Civil Cases Cant Stifle Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case cannot suspend criminal prosecution, citing the rule on prejudicial questions and dilatory tactics.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Civil Case Does Not Stop Criminal Prosecution
A pending civil action to nullify trust receipts is not a prejudicial question that bars criminal prosecution for estafa under Philippine law.
When Doubt Prevails: How Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Philippine Libel Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted Roque Vicario in a libel case, emphasizing the need for proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal prosecutions.
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.
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.