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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Jurisdiction Over Public Prosecutors: When the Supreme Court Defers to the Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative complaints against public prosecutors for official acts fall under the Ombudsman's jurisdiction, not the IBP.
Disbarment Case: Reprimand for Lawyer's False Statements and Court Disrespect
Supreme Court reprimands lawyer for discourteous language and unfounded accusations against judges and prosecutors in administrative case.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: Lessons for Prosecutors
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused due to broken chain of custody, clarifying the strict rules under RA 9165.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upheld in Probable Cause Determinations for Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan complaint, respecting prosecutorial discretion absent grave abuse.
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.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
Election Offenses and Double Jeopardy: The Limits of Prosecutorial Power in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal in an election offense case is final, and why the prosecution cannot appeal it without violating double jeopardy.
Ombudsmans Discretion Respecting Independence IN Graft Case Findings
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's wide discretion in graft preliminary investigations, respecting prosecutorial independence absent grave abuse.
Bypassing Justice: Defining Theft in Telecommunications and Probable Cause
The Supreme Court clarifies when toll bypass operations constitute theft and how courts review prosecutorial findings of probable cause.
Statutory Rape: Why Prosecutors Must Investigate All Alleged Incidents
The Supreme Court reminds prosecutors to investigate every alleged incident of statutory rape, not just one count, in People v. Pagamucan.
Presumption of Regularity Shields Prosecutors From Baseless Bias Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that prosecutors enjoy presumption of regularity in performing duties, dismissing baseless administrative bias complaint.
Sheriff's Suspension for Handling Litigant's Money: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
A sheriff's attempt to pass a litigant's P7,500 to a prosecutor was grave misconduct. The Court explains why court personnel must never handle litigants' money.
SEC v. Price Richardson: Probable Cause in Securities Fraud Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutors' probable cause findings in securities regulation violations.
When a Prosecutor Files an Information Without the City Prosecutor’s Approval
Learn when a criminal information filed without the city prosecutor’s prior written authority is defective and subject to quashal.
Public Duty vs Private Interest: When a Prosecutor’s Delay Betrays Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court clarifies that a prosecutor's duty to expedite cases is not excused by a respondent's failure to assert the right to speedy disposition.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Delay and Due Process in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the balancing test for inordinate delay in preliminary investigations, affirming that prosecutors must justify delays.
Trademark Disputes: Unfair Competition and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when civil trademark cases can suspend criminal prosecutions and how courts review prosecutorial findings on probable cause.
Lawyer's Unfounded Bribery Accusation Against Prosecutor Draws Fine
Supreme Court fines a lawyer for baselessly accusing a prosecutor of bribery in pleadings, stressing limits of zealous advocacy.
Forum Shopping in Annulment Cases: A Lawyer's Suspension and the Integrity of Legal Processes
A prosecutor's suspension for filing two marriage dissolution petitions in different courts highlights the strict rule against forum shopping.
Dereliction of Duty and the Duty of Promptness in Resolving Cases Filed by Indigents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's delay in resolving an indigent's complaint amounts to gross neglect of duty.
Practicing Law While Suspended: When Disobeying a Suspension Order Leads to More Penalties
A lawyer who continued working as a prosecutor while suspended faced an additional six-month suspension. Learn the rules on complying with disciplinary orders.
Standing to Sue: The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
Who may appeal a dismissed criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the Solicitor General's exclusive authority and the limits on private prosecutors.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman's Discretion: Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of criminal charges for lack of probable cause, underscoring the limits of judicial review over prosecutorial discretion.
BP 22 Acquittal: Why Actual Receipt of Notice of Dishonor Is Critical
In Robert Chua v. People, the Supreme Court acquitted a BP 22 accused because prosecutors failed to prove actual receipt of the notice of dishonor.