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 Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When a Civil Case Outcome Bars Criminal Prosecution
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the prejudicial question doctrine to dismiss falsification charges after a civil case settled the core issue.
Unlocking Bank Secrets: The AMLC's Role in Financial Transparency and Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies the AMLC's duty to disclose bank records in criminal cases, balancing confidentiality with prosecution.
Navigating Probable Cause: The Ombudsman's Role in Philippine Criminal Prosecutions
This article explains the Ombudsman's power to determine probable cause in criminal cases, its limits, and the legal principles governing prosecutorial discretion in the Philippines.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for criminal prosecutions.
Trademark Disputes: Unfair Competition and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when civil trademark cases can suspend criminal prosecutions and how courts review prosecutorial findings on probable cause.
Independent Civil Actions and Criminal Liability: Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When does a civil case suspend a criminal prosecution? The Supreme Court clarifies the prejudicial question rule in estafa cases.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Criminal Prosecution
Supreme Court affirms conviction based on credible eyewitness identification, rejecting alibi and denial defenses in murder case.
Prosecutors Discretion Prevails Understanding The Limits OF Bureau OF Customs Authority IN Smuggling Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Customs cannot control criminal prosecutions—that power belongs to public prosecutors.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Rights in Criminal Arrests
The Supreme Court clarifies a judge's duty in determining probable cause for warrants of arrest and limits on enjoining criminal prosecutions.
Upholding Court Integrity: Dismissal for Grave Misconduct in Record Tampering
A clerk of court who overcharged filing fees and issued fake receipts faces dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and criminal prosecution.
Bank Secrecy vs Qualified Theft: Balancing Financial Privacy and Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when bank deposits remain confidential under R.A. 1405 even in criminal cases, and why evidence must match the charge.
Hlurb Jurisdiction VS Criminal Prosecution Protecting Subdivision Buyers
Tax Evasion vs Deficiency: When Criminal Charges Can Proceed Without Prior Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can file criminal tax evasion charges without a prior formal assessment, distinguishing deficiency assessments from criminal prosecution.
Speedy Trial Rights: When Delay Is Not a Violation
The Supreme Court explains when delays in criminal prosecution do not violate the right to speedy trial, and the limits of double jeopardy.
Amnesty Limits in the Olalia Murder Case: Political Belief vs Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that amnesty grants are limited to crimes disclosed in applications, not blanket immunity from 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Judicial Discretion VS Executive Review Resolving Conflicts IN Criminal Prosecution
Due Process in Criminal Prosecution: When the State May Present Additional Evidence
Explaining when courts may allow the prosecution to present additional evidence and how the State's right to due process balances against the accused's right to speedy trial.