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.
Quasi-Delict Claims Need No Reservation: Supreme Transport Ruling Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that quasi-delict counterclaims may proceed without reservation in criminal cases, subject only to the ban on double recovery.
Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction Over Ombudsman Decisions in Criminal Cases
The Court rules that petitions questioning Ombudsman probable cause findings in criminal cases must be filed with the Supreme Court, not the CA.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Insanity Defense and Mental State at the Time of the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for insanity defense and mental state in criminal cases, using People v. Rupal as a guide.
Limits on Seizure: Balancing Privacy and Law Enforcement in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when seized items are admissible, balancing privacy rights with valid law enforcement in search warrant cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim Testimony and the Weakness of Alibi Defense
In People v. Ganaba, the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, stressing that victim testimony can outweigh alibi and denial defenses in criminal cases.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Circumstantial Evidence and the Burden of Proof in Rape Cases
A father's rape conviction was reversed when circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, reaffirming the prosecution's burden in criminal cases.
When Doubt Benefits the Accused: Integrity of Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on reasonable doubt, witness credibility, and the prosecution's burden in election-period weapon possession cases.
Venue Is Jurisdictional in Criminal Cases: The Casanas Carnapping Ruling
The Supreme Court explains why venue is jurisdictional in criminal cases and why a conviction outside the proper territory is void.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases: Where the Crime Occurs Determines the Court
The Supreme Court rules that venue in criminal cases is jurisdictional—a court cannot try an offense committed outside its territory.
Bail and Res Judicata: Why an Interlocutory Order Does Not Bar a Second Bail Petition
The Supreme Court clarifies that res judicata does not apply to interlocutory orders like bail denials in criminal cases.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Employer Liability for SSS Contributions Despite Officers' Acquittal
A corporation cannot escape SSS contribution liability merely because its officers were acquitted in the criminal case. The Supreme Court explains why.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding the Boundaries in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery is determined in Philippine criminal cases.
Eyewitness Identification and Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when eyewitness identification suffices and why treachery must be proven, not presumed, in Philippine criminal cases.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause in Corporate Criminal Cases: The Ient v. Tullett Prebon Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy and probable cause establish criminal liability for corporate officers under the Corporation Code.
Insanity as a Defense: Establishing Mental Incapacity in Criminal Proceedings
Understanding how Philippine courts assess insanity as a defense and what evidence is needed to establish mental incapacity in criminal cases.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases: Conviction Void When "Lawyer" Is Not a Bar Member
When a criminal defendant is represented by someone who is not a lawyer, the conviction violates due process and must be set aside.
When a "Lawyer" Is Not a Lawyer: Due Process and the Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court voids a conviction where the accused was represented by a fake lawyer, stressing the absolute right to counsel.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases: When a Fake Lawyer Means Denial of Due Process
The Supreme Court ruled that conviction is void when an accused is represented by a non-lawyer, as it violates the constitutional right to counsel.
The Right to Intervene: Protecting Ownership in Criminal Proceedings
When can a property owner intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention under Rule 19.
Intervention in Criminal Cases: Protecting Property Rights of Third Parties
When may a third party intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention and legal interest.
Who Represents the People? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that only the Office of the Solicitor General may appeal criminal cases, not private complainants.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court rule that death extinguishes criminal liability and penalties, and its effect on civil liability in Philippine criminal cases.
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 Bribery When Doubts Justify A Trial
Supreme Court ruling on who may appeal criminal case dismissals and venue rules for online libel.