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.
Baseless Administrative Complaints Against Judges: Lessons from Manahon v. Judge Tan
The Supreme Court dismissed a baseless administrative complaint against a judge, reinforcing that substantial evidence is required and frivolous charges will be reprimanded.
Warrantless Arrests in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and When Police Can Act Without a Warrant
Learn when Philippine police may arrest without a warrant, what "personal knowledge" means, and how citizens can lawfully object to illegal arrests.
When Can Philippine Police Arrest Without a Warrant? Know Your Rights
Philippine law allows warrantless arrests in specific situations. This article explains those rules using a Supreme Court case.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws Protecting Accused Rights in the Philippines
Explaining how the 1987 Constitution's abolition of the death penalty retroactively benefits accused persons whose crimes were committed before its ratification.
Habeas Corpus in the Philippines: Understanding Its Limits and Proper Use in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in criminal cases, using a 1999 death penalty ruling as guide.
Hulidap Defense in Philippine Drug Cases: Why It Usually Fails
The Supreme Court explains why the "hulidap" defense rarely succeeds in drug cases and what accused persons must prove to overcome it.
In-Court Identification in Rape Cases: People v. Pacistol (G.R. 119074-75)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a victim's credible in-court identification can secure a rape conviction despite flawed police line-up procedures.
Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy and Constitutional Rights in Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court case explains conspiracy in robbery with homicide and the exclusionary rule for evidence from illegal arrests.
Probation After Appeal Understanding THE Waiver Rule IN THE Philippines
Learn how appealing a conviction waives probation eligibility in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings and the Probation Law.
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.
Understanding Complex Crime When ONE ACT Leads TO Multiple Felonies IN The Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats a single act causing multiple felonies, using the robbery-with-homicide ruling in People v. Silan.
Warrantless Arrests and Drug Evidence: What Buy-Bust Operations Mean for Your Rights
Learn when warrantless arrests and drug evidence are valid in buy-bust operations, and how Philippine courts handle frame-up defenses.