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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Breach of Trust: Employer May Dismiss for Misconduct Despite Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employee's acquittal in a criminal case does not bar dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Burden of Proof in Estafa and Homicide: Why Hearsay Evidence Fails to Establish Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doub
The Supreme Court explains why positive identification by credible witnesses outweighs bare denial and hearsay in criminal cases.
Nogales v. People: When Obscene Files in Computers Are Forfeited Even Without Conviction
Supreme Court rules hard disks containing obscene materials are forfeited and destroyed under P.D. 969 even if criminal case is dismissed.
When an Acquittal Stands: Double Jeopardy and the Private Complainant’s Limited Role in Criminal Appeals
Explaining why an acquittal is final, who may appeal a criminal case, and the limits of a private complainant’s participation under Philippine law.
Judicial Impartiality and Avoiding Impropriety in Cases Involving Relatives
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's transfer affects decision validity and the rules on new trial grounds in criminal cases.
When Alibi Fails: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine courts require positive identification to convict; alibi is weak defense. Learn how courts weigh witness credibility and alibi evidence.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Criminal Cases: When Dismissal Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy rules and trial court duties in dismissing criminal cases.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Courts: When a Case Dismissal Is Not Final
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Cerezo v. People on double jeopardy, valid case dismissals, and when courts may reopen criminal cases.
Perfecting Appeals: Timely Docket Fee Payment as a Jurisdictional Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies that timely payment of docket fees is jurisdictional in appeals, but may be relaxed for substantial justice in criminal cases.
Protecting Your Property From Confiscation: Third Party Claims in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how third parties can protect property from confiscation in Philippine criminal cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sea Lion Fishing Corporation.
Dying Declarations and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling on murder clarifies dying declarations, abuse of superior strength, and damages in criminal cases.
Eyewitness Testimony and Conspiracy Affirming Guilt in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on credible eyewitness testimony, conspiracy, and treachery, explaining key rules for criminal cases.
When Archiving Criminal Cases Becomes Gross Ignorance of the Law: Ricablanca v. Barillo
A judge's duty to transmit preliminary investigation records to prosecutors, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ricablanca v. Barillo.
Judicial Accountability When Archiving Cases Constitutes Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge who archived criminal cases instead of forwarding them to the prosecutor was fined P30,000 for gross ignorance of the law.
The Fresh Period Rule for Appeals in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, giving accused persons a full 15 days from denial of post-judgment motions.
Eyewitness Reliability Scrutinizing Identification in Criminal Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on a lone eyewitness, clarifying standards for witness credibility and identification in criminal cases.
Criminal Charges vs Corporate Rehabilitation: Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Stay Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules that stay orders in corporate rehabilitation do not suspend criminal cases against corporate officers.
Navigating Drug Sale Convictions: Evidence and Inconsistencies in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on drug sale convictions underscores the critical role of chain of custody evidence in Philippine criminal cases.
Sufficiency of Information in Criminal Cases: Ensuring Fair Notice to the Accused
How Philippine courts test whether a criminal Information sufficiently informs the accused of the charge, with lessons from a drug case.
When Words Become Weapons: Establishing Conspiracy in Philippine Homicide Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine conspiracy in criminal cases, using the landmark Babanggol drug case as a guide.
Annulment and Parricide: The Prejudicial Question Rule Explained
When a marriage annulment case can—and cannot—suspend a criminal case for parricide under Philippine law.
Eyewitness Identification VS Constitutional Rights Safeguarding Fair Trials IN Criminal Cases
Dismissal Disputes Balancing Procedural Rules With Substantial Justice IN Labor Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court prioritized substantial justice over procedural technicalities in a criminal case, ensuring fairness prevails.
Employer Liability in Criminal Cases: When Civil Liability Is Only Subsidiary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are subsidiarily liable for employee crimes, distinguishing quasi-delict from criminal civil liability.