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.
Balancing Confrontation Rights and Due Process in Transnational Crime Investigations
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with preliminary investigations and how constitutional rights apply in fact-finding probes.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Why a Framework Alone Does Not Reduce Your Sentence
The Supreme Court clarifies that the plea bargaining framework in drug cases requires an actual guilty plea to a lesser offense—not just a request for leniency.
Prolonged Preliminary Investigation and Speedy Disposition: What the Supreme Court Said
A dismissed criminal case for failure to prosecute raises the question: when does delay violate the right to speedy disposition of cases?
When a Motorcycle Ride Makes a Killing Murder: People v. Padal Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows how using a motorcycle to chase a victim can elevate a killing from homicide to murder under Philippine law.
Reasonable Doubt When Evidence Fails to Prove Illegal Drug Transport
The Supreme Court acquits three accused of transporting shabu where prosecution failed to prove they were on board the vehicle and broke the chain of custody.
B.P. 22 and the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability
The Supreme Court pierces the corporate veil in B.P. 22 cases, holding officers personally liable for bouncing checks—but only with proper notice of dishonor.
Mamasapano Tragedy: Determining Liability in Complex Military Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for determining criminal negligence and probable cause in the Mamasapano tragedy, addressing command responsibility and intervening causes.
Illegal Dismissal: Probable Cause Alone Does Not Justify Termination
Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause for qualified theft does not automatically justify an employee's dismissal; substantial evidence is required.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
Why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is crucial in drug cases, and how broken chains lead to acquittal.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Testimony and Physical Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts weigh testimony and medical findings in rape cases, acquitting on two counts for insufficient evidence.
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.
Judicial Longevity Pay: Crediting Prior Government Service for Justices and Judges
The Supreme Court ruled that prior OSG service may count toward judicial longevity pay, affecting retirement and salary benefits.
Ombudsman's Power to Reopen Cases and Due Process in Preliminary Investigations
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on the Ombudsman's authority to reverse a predecessor's findings and due process limits in preliminary investigations.
Former Judge's Conflict of Interest: Ethical Limits After Leaving the Bench
Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former judges and government lawyers accepting cases they previously handled.
Probable Cause vs Due Process: Independent Judicial Assessment in Arrest Warrant Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between executive and judicial probable cause in arrest warrant issuance, and the limits of due process in preliminary investigation.
Supreme Court Upholds Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Charges Over Lahar Quarrying
The Court explains when it will not interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings, even where injury to a landowner may exist.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Missing Witnesses Mean Acquittal
A drug conviction was reversed because police failed to secure media and DOJ witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rules.
Bail in Drug Cases: When Broken Chain of Custody Weakens Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when a broken chain of custody in drug cases weakens evidence of guilt, affecting a defendant's right to bail.
Distinguishing Child Abuse From Physical Injuries: Intent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every injury to a minor is child abuse; specific intent to debase or demean must be proven.
Preliminary Investigation Is a Substantive Right: Lessons from Palacios v. People
The Supreme Court rules that denying a reinvestigation based on procedural guidelines violates due process when the accused was never notified.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody and Section 21 non-compliance, underscoring strict evidentiary rules.
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.
Judicial Review of Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Hasty Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan's power to dismiss criminal cases when evidence fails to establish probable cause against accused public officials.
Intact Hymen Does Not Negate Statutory Rape: SC Upholds Child Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child's credible testimony can prove statutory rape even when medical findings show an intact hymen.