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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Dismissal Before Prosecution Rests: Double Jeopardy and Due Process in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a premature dismissal of an anti-graft case bars refiling, and why due process matters more than double jeopardy.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Unreliable Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Rape Case
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome the constitutional presumption of innocence and prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining moral ascendancy, victim credibility, and why date discrepancies do not defeat the prosecution's case.
Estafa Conviction Overturned: The Critical Role of Notice in Bouncing Check Cases
The Supreme Court acquits Goretti Ong of estafa, ruling that failure to prove notice of dishonor is fatal to a bouncing check prosecution.
BP 22 Cases Not Suspended by Corporate Rehabilitation: Tiong Rosario v. Co
Corporate rehabilitation suspends claims against a company, but not criminal prosecution of officers for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Arson Cases
How a credible lone eyewitness can overcome alibi and denial in Philippine arson prosecutions, with practical lessons.
Bouncing Checks and Iniquitous Interest: When a Civil Case Cannot Stop a Criminal Prosecution
Learn when a dispute over unconscionable interest rates can—and cannot—suspend criminal prosecutions for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Water Districts Are Government-Owned: Anti-Graft Law Applies to Their Officers
Supreme Court rules local water districts are government-owned corporations, so their managers face Anti-Graft Law prosecution for corrupt practices.
Indirect Contempt and Forum Shopping: Safeguarding Judicial Processes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts, and warns against forum shopping and delaying tactics.
Administrative Absolution Does NOT BAR Criminal Prosecution Ensuring Accountability IN Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts against public officials.
Rape of a Child with Intellectual Disability: When Knowledge of the Victim's Condition Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prosecution must prove an accused knew the victim had an intellectual disability in qualified rape cases.
Demurrer to Evidence: Insufficient Proof in Customs and Anti-Graft Cases Leads to Dismissal
When prosecution evidence fails to establish a prima facie case, a demurrer to evidence may lead to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains.
Preliminary Inquiry vs Prosecution Probable Cause: Key Distinction in Arrest Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a judge's arrest-warrant inquiry and a prosecutor's probable cause determination in preliminary investigations.
Partnership Disputes: Fiduciary Duties, Equitable Remedies, and the Right to Present Evidence
Supreme Court ruling on partnership disputes, fiduciary duties, equitable remedies, and the prosecution's right to present evidence in criminal cases.
Prescription IN Anti Graft Cases THE States Right TO Recover ILL Gotten Wealth VS Timely Prosecution
When a Gun Ban Charge Does Not Bar Illegal Possession of Firearms: Celino v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban charge prevents prosecution for illegal possession of firearms under R.A. 8294.
Res Judicata and Anti-Graft Cases: When Prior Dismissals Bar Prosecution
The Supreme Court ruled that a final dismissal of a behest-loan complaint bars a later anti-graft prosecution over the same transaction, even against officials not named in the first case.
Prosecutorial Discretion and Grave Abuse: When Courts Can Compel Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override a prosecutor's dismissal of charges and compel the inclusion of accused persons in an Information.
Malicious Prosecution: The High Bar for Damages in the Philippines
Learn when filing a baseless criminal case can lead to damages for malicious prosecution in the Philippines, and the strict legal standards courts apply.
Buy-Bust Conviction Affirmed: Court Upholds Life Sentence for Shabu Sale
Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for two women caught selling shabu in a buy-bust operation, ruling prosecution proved guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Discretion VS Executive Review Resolving Conflicts IN Criminal Prosecution
Malicious Prosecution Establishing Liability FOR Unjust Legal Actions IN THE Philippines
Malicious Prosecution in Estafa Cases: When a Criminal Complaint Becomes a Tort
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing an estafa complaint without probable cause constitutes malicious prosecution, making the complainant liable for damages.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proper Presentation of Notice of Dishonor: The Tan Case
A B.P. 22 conviction requires the prosecution to properly present the notice of dishonor in court; failure to do so negates the presumption of knowledge of insufficient funds.