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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The Vital Role of State Witnesses in Philippine Criminal Cases: Lessons from People v. Fajardo
How Philippine courts decide who becomes a state witness, and why their testimony must be corroborated to secure a conviction.
Prejudicial Question in Corporate Disputes: Suspending Criminal Cases Explained
When can an intra-corporate dispute suspend a criminal case? The Omictin v. Lagos ruling explains the prejudicial question doctrine.
Mootness and Quashed Search Warrants: When a Case Dismissal Ends the Controversy
A dismissed criminal case can render a quashed search warrant issue moot. Learn the practical legal effect rule from this Supreme Court ruling.
The Ombudsman's Control Over Special Prosecutors: Limits on Prosecutorial Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's authority over special prosecutors and the limits of prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases.
Failure to Appear at Judgment Promulgation: Losing Legal Remedies in Criminal Cases
In criminal cases, skipping judgment promulgation without justifiable cause forfeits remedies like appeal or reconsideration. The Supreme Court explains.
Prejudicial Question in Philippine Criminal Procedure: Suspends, Not Dismisses, Criminal Cases
Understand the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine criminal procedure—how it suspends rather than dismisses criminal cases, with key rules.
Private Complainants May File Certiorari in Criminal Cases: Rodriguez v. Gadiane
When can a private complainant in a criminal case file certiorari without the prosecutor's conformity? The Supreme Court explains in Rodriguez v. Gadiane.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Justify New Trial in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives an accused of due process, courts may reopen the case for a fair trial.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: Understanding the Limits of Appealing Acquittals
The Supreme Court clarifies when double jeopardy attaches in Philippine criminal cases, using a Sandiganbayan conditional arraignment case as the focal point.
Libel Conviction Reversed: Why Authenticating Tape Recordings Matters in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court reverses libel conviction, ruling that unauthenticated tape recordings and uncorroborated testimony cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Exhaustion of Remedies: When Courts, Not Prosecutors, Hold the Key
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that once a criminal case is in court, the remedy lies with the court, not administrative appeals.
Forum Shopping Prohibited: No Separate Civil Action After B.P. 22 Criminal Case
Filing a B.P. 22 criminal case automatically includes the civil action. A separate civil suit for the same checks is barred as forum shopping.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to Present Evidence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court reminds trial courts that a demurrer to evidence must be a knowing waiver of the accused's right to present evidence.
Lawyer Disbarred for Filling Up Blank Checks Held as Loan Collateral
Supreme Court indefinitely suspends lawyer who filled blank checks beyond agreed amounts after loan was paid, then filed baseless criminal cases.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Evaluation Required Before Dismissing Criminal Cases
Supreme Court holds judges liable for granting motions to dismiss without independent review, notice, and hearing.
Reinstatement of Criminal Cases: Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantial Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on procedural compliance in appeals, balancing strict rules against substantial justice in criminal case reinstatement.
No Damages for Accused: Criminal Courts Cannot Award Damages to the Accused in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that criminal courts cannot award damages to the accused in criminal cases, reversing libel conviction.
Balancing Attorney Conduct: Upholding Dignity While Protecting Due Process in Legal Practice
SC ruling clarifies that pending criminal cases do not automatically warrant lawyer suspension, but offensive language against opposing counsel remains sanctionable.
When a Judge Writes a Letter: Judicial Conduct and the Appearance of Impropriety
A judge's letter to university officials about his wife's criminal cases led to a reprimand. Learn the limits of judicial conduct.
When Can a Philippine Court Reopen a Case? Limits on Trial Court Discretion
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case, ruling that trial courts abuse discretion when they flip-flop without cogent reasons.
Speedy Trial Rights: When One-Day Delay in Graft Appeals Is Excusable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late appeal filings in criminal cases may be excused to serve substantial justice.
Unlawful Arrest and the Right to Preliminary Investigation in Philippine Criminal Cases
When an arrest is unlawful, the accused gains the right to a full preliminary investigation, not merely an inquest. This article explains the rule.
Prejudicial Question Resolving Conflicts Between Civil AND Criminal Actions IN Philippine Courts
When civil and criminal cases collide, Philippine courts apply the prejudicial question doctrine. Learn how this affects tenant-landlord disputes.
When Civil Cases Don't Justify Travel Bans: The Limits of Hold Departure Orders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that hold departure orders may only be issued in criminal cases, not civil disputes like support cases.