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.
Trial Court Discretion and Fair Trial: Nullifying Pre-Trial Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court may nullify pre-trial proceedings and the limits of judicial discretion in criminal cases.
Bail and Judicial Discretion: Limits in Philippine Criminal Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may grant bail in capital offenses and the limits of judicial discretion in criminal cases.
Only the Solicitor General Can Appeal Criminal Case Dismissals
Private complainants cannot appeal the dismissal of criminal cases; only the OSG may do so on behalf of the State.
Double Jeopardy and Provisional Dismissal: When Cases Can Be Reopened With Accused Consent
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed criminal case can be revived without violating double jeopardy, and why accused consent matters.
Loss of Earning Capacity: The Necessity of Competent Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of earning capacity in criminal cases requires competent proof, not self-serving testimony.
Speedy Trial Dismissal Is an Acquittal: Double Jeopardy and Finality in Criminal Cases
A dismissal for violation of the right to speedy trial is an acquittal that bars re-prosecution. Learn the rules and practical lessons from this case.
Broken Chains Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects accused persons from unlawful drug testing and safeguards their constitutional rights in criminal cases.
Defense of Insanity Requires Clear and Convincing Evidence in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict evidentiary standard for the insanity defense, requiring proof of complete deprivation of intelligence at the time of the crime.
When Can a Judge Dismiss a Prosecutor's Case for Lack of Probable Cause?
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between a prosecutor's and a judge's power to determine probable cause in criminal cases.
Probation vs Appeal: Choosing Your Legal Path in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat probation versus appeal in criminal cases, and why choosing the wrong remedy can forfeit your right to appeal.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal When Medical Negligence Results in Damages
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts award damages based on preponderance of evidence.
Parental Authority vs Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, moral ascendancy, and the weight of a victim's credible testimony in criminal cases.
Belated Appeal in Criminal Cases: Finality of Judgment and the Right to Appeal
A belated notice of appeal in a criminal case results in finality of judgment. This article explains the rules and exceptions.
Speedy Trial vs Consolidation: Protecting the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court rules that consolidating criminal cases cannot override an accused's constitutional right to a speedy trial.
The Court's Duty of Independent Assessment in Dismissing Criminal Cases
When prosecutors move to withdraw an Information, trial courts must independently assess the merits—not just perfunctorily deny the motion.
Probable Cause and Estafa: The Judge's Role in Dismissing Criminal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, using estafa charges as the backdrop.
When Judges May Dismiss Criminal Cases for Lack of Probable Cause
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, and when they must let the case proceed to trial.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of qualified theft, emphasizing grave abuse of confidence as the distinguishing factor in criminal cases.
Who Can Sue: Understanding Legal Standing in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn who can file criminal cases in the Philippines, and how acquittal does not erase civil liability, using the Aglibot v. Santia case.
Standing to Sue: Why Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Dismissals Alone
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why private complainants lack legal standing to appeal criminal case dismissals without the Solicitor General.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal for Gross Ignorance of the Law in Reopening Finalized Criminal Cases
A judge's dismissal for reopening a final and executory criminal case, and the duty of courts to respect finality of judgment.
Interlocutory Orders: Why Immediate Appeals Can Derail Justice
Philippine Supreme Court explains why interlocutory orders cannot be appealed immediately, preventing delays and multiplicity of appeals in criminal cases.
Court Employee Dismissed for Misappropriating Cash Evidence in Criminal Cases
A court legal researcher who took P45,000 in cash evidence for alleged court repairs was dismissed for grave misconduct and dishonesty.
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Understanding the Limits of Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
An acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts apply different standards of proof.