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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Unreasonable Searches Evidence Inadmissible When Police Exceed Warrant Scope
When police exceed a search warrant's scope and violate Section 21, seized evidence becomes inadmissible, potentially leading to case dismissal.
Timely Payment of Docket Fees in Appeals: A Guide to Avoiding Case Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Ang v. Court of Appeals underscores the mandatory payment of appellate docket fees to perfect an appeal.
Who May Appeal a Criminal Case Dismissal? The Rule on Private Complainants
A private complainant cannot question the dismissal of a criminal case; only the OSG may appeal the criminal aspect. Learn the rule.
Understanding the Limits of Private Complainants in Challenging Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat private complainants' appeals in criminal case dismissals, including standing and procedural rules.
When Can You Challenge an Ombudsman Dismissal? Certiorari Limits Explained
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Dormido v. Ombudsman on why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment in graft case dismissals.
Attorneys Must Inform Clients of Adverse Decisions and Avoid Neglect of Legal Matters
A lawyer's failure to inform clients of a case dismissal and to appeal within the reglementary period constitutes neglect under the Code of Professional Responsibility, warranting suspension.
MCLE Disclosure Failures: Cruz v. Onshore Strategic Assets and Case Dismissal
A lawyer's failure to disclose MCLE compliance in pleadings can lead to dismissal of the case, as Cruz v. Onshore Strategic Assets shows.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutorial findings and the limits of a private complainant's right to appeal criminal case dismissals.
Probable Cause and Bribery When Doubts Justify A Trial
Supreme Court ruling on who may appeal criminal case dismissals and venue rules for online libel.
Only the Solicitor General Can Appeal Criminal Case Dismissals
Private complainants cannot appeal the dismissal of criminal cases; only the OSG may do so on behalf of the State.
Attorney Neglect of Duty in Disbarment Cases and the Effect of Death on Administrative Proceedings
Explore how a lawyer's neglect of duty triggers disbarment proceedings, and why a respondent's death can lead to case dismissal.
Speedy Trial vs Provisional Dismissal: Balancing Rights in Criminal Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a case dismissal for denial of speedy trial becomes final, and how provisional dismissal works.
Compromise Agreements and Case Dismissal: Lessons from RCBC v. BDO
How parties in a long-running arbitration dispute ended their cases through compromise agreements, and what this means for Philippine litigation.
Dismissal Based on Insufficient Evidence: Navigating Customs Law and Due Process
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a customs case dismissal due to the prosecution's failure to present evidence properly.
Standing to Sue: Why Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Dismissals Alone
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why private complainants lack legal standing to appeal criminal case dismissals without the Solicitor General.
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.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Securities Case Dismissals
The Supreme Court explains when a demurrer-based acquittal bars appeal and what grave abuse of discretion means.
Malicious Prosecution: Proving Legal Malice and Probable Cause in Damage Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that winning a criminal case dismissal does not automatically justify a malicious prosecution claim for damages.
Dilatory Prosecution WHY Unexcused Delays CAN Lead TO Case Dismissal
Limits of Mandamus Court Discretion in Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel a judge to dismiss criminal cases, and when it cannot.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How to Avoid Dismissal of Your Case
Learn what forum shopping means in Philippine law, its elements, and how to avoid case dismissal through proper certification and disclosure.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Courts: When a Case Dismissal Protects You from Retrial
Understand when a case dismissal bars retrial under Philippine double jeopardy rules, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Benares v. Lim.
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.
Attorney Negligence: Failing to File a Pre-Trial Brief in the Philippines
When a lawyer's failure to file a pre-trial brief leads to case dismissal, the Supreme Court may impose disciplinary sanctions. Learn the rules.