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.
Safeguarding Confessions: The Right to Competent Counsel in Philippine Law
A confession is inadmissible if the accused lacked truly competent, independent counsel during custodial investigation.
Due Process in Attorney Disciplinary Cases: The Mandatory Formal Investigation
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that a formal investigation is mandatory in lawyer disciplinary cases, remanding a dismissed complaint for further proceedings.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights and Reasonableness in Preliminary Investigations
When does delay in preliminary investigation violate the right to speedy disposition? The Supreme Court explains the balancing test in Guiani v. Sandiganbayan.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Safeguarding Justice in Custodial Investigations
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in a rape-homicide case, ruling that confessions obtained without counsel and circumstantial evidence are insufficient for conviction.
Independent Counsel Requirement in Custodial Investigation: The Velarde Case
A mayor acting as counsel during custodial investigation is not independent, making confessions inadmissible and leading to acquittal.
Due Process in Ombudsman Reinvestigations: The Roxas and Nacpil Case
When can the Ombudsman reinstate dismissed charges? The Roxas case clarifies due process rights in reinvestigations.
Judicial Impartiality When Familial Ties Disqualify A Judge In Preliminary Investigations
When must a judge inhibit from a case? The Supreme Court clarifies that disqualification applies even at the preliminary investigation stage.
Death of Judge During Administrative Case Ends Proceedings to Protect Right to Be Heard
When a judge dies before an administrative investigation concludes, the case is dismissed to avoid violating due process rights.
Speedy Trial Rights: Motion for Reinvestigation and Waiver of Timeliness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether filing a motion for reinvestigation waives the right to claim speedy disposition of cases.
Safeguarding Confessions: Independent Counsel and Admissibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial confessions are inadmissible for lack of competent and independent counsel during custodial investigation.
Judicial Overreach and the Boundaries of Preliminary Investigations in the Philippines
Sales v. Sandiganbayan clarifies that preliminary investigations are substantive rights, not mere formalities, and sets limits on prosecutorial discretion.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to a Complete Preliminary Investigation
When an incomplete preliminary investigation leads to a warrant of arrest, the Supreme Court steps in to protect the accused's right to due process.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Preliminary Investigations: Nava v. COA Explained
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in preliminary investigations, clarifying the proper remedy for aggrieved parties and the limits of judicial review.
Discretion of the Justice Secretary and Limits of Judicial Review in Preliminary Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's limited role in reviewing prosecutors' findings and the boundaries of judicial review in preliminary investigations.
Judicial Duty vs Dereliction: Balancing Discretion and Due Diligence in Preliminary Investigations
A judge's dismissal of a case without proper preliminary investigation constitutes dereliction of duty, as shown in this administrative case.
Miranda Rights in the Philippines: Safeguarding Confessions and Due Process
Understand how Philippine law protects suspects' rights during custodial investigation, including the Miranda doctrine, confession admissibility, and due process safeguards.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Delay and Due Diligence in Preliminary Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in preliminary investigation violates constitutional rights, and when the accused's own inaction amounts to waiver.
Due Process in Custodial Investigation: When Lack of Counsel Does Not Void a Conviction
A conviction based on eyewitness testimony stands even if custodial rights were violated, as no confession was obtained.
Safeguarding Confessions: The Right to Competent Counsel in Custodial Investigations
A suspect's confession is inadmissible without effective, independent counsel during custodial investigation. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Patungan.
Judicial Accountability Imposing Fines FOR Ignorance OF THE LAW IN Preliminary Investigations
Preliminary Investigation Protecting Individual Rights Before Trial
Learn how preliminary investigation safeguards individual rights before trial, as explained in a Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Unconstitutional Confessions Protecting Rights IN Criminal Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the admissibility of confessions and the protection of constitutional rights during criminal investigations.
Preliminary Investigation: Its Absence and Impact on Criminal Proceedings
When prosecutors skip preliminary investigation, can courts dismiss the case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Villaflor v. Vivar.
Safeguarding Due Process: Understanding Indirect Contempt in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that formal investigation is mandatory in lawyer discipline cases, ensuring due process before any penalty.