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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Death of Accused Extinguishes Criminal Liability and Abates Criminal Action
Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability and abates the criminal action, citing the Revised Penal Code.
Estafa and Agency Criminal Liability Cannot Be Extinguished by Contractual Novation
Supreme Court rules novation cannot extinguish criminal liability for estafa; only the State may waive criminal action.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine Suspension VS Withdrawal OF Criminal Action
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.
No Conspiracy No Murder: Independent Liability in Criminal Actions
Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules in People v. Pablo, distinguishing murder from attempted homicide and refining damage awards.
Collective Liability and Conspiracy in Criminal Actions: People v. Aquino
When does mere presence or participation in a transaction amount to criminal conspiracy? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Aquino.
Premature Filing Malicious Prosecution Requires Prior Acquittal
Filing a malicious prosecution case before the criminal action ends in acquittal is premature. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.