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 Limits of Certiorari and the Finality of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an acquittal can still carry civil liability, and the procedural consequences of filing a demurrer to evidence.
When a Demurrer to Evidence Means Acquittal: Double Jeopardy in Graft Cases
A look at People v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 233437) on double jeopardy, demurrer to evidence, and proof of graft charges.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: What People v. Baja Means for Philippine Criminal Cases
A granted demurrer to evidence is an acquittal. The Supreme Court explains why further prosecution is barred by double jeopardy.
Understanding Demurrers to Evidence: When Can You Challenge the Prosecution's Case
A demurrer to evidence lets an accused challenge the prosecution's case. But denial cannot be attacked via certiorari, as Espinosa v. Sandiganbayan shows.
Trust Receipts Law: Corporate Officers' Liability and Due Diligence in Criminal Demurrers
When a demurrer to evidence is granted in a trust receipts case, private complainants may still question the civil aspect via certiorari.
Demurrer to Evidence and the Prosecution's Burden in Bigamy Cases: Lapira v. Fariscal
The Supreme Court acquits a bigamy accused, clarifying that a void first marriage and rebutted marriage certificates defeat the prosecution's case.
Demurrer to Evidence Dismissal Upheld for Insufficient Proof of Installment Sale and Insurable Interest
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a demurrer to evidence works and why a plaintiff who fails to prove his case can lose even before the defense presents evidence.
Bank Officials' Fiduciary Duty and Estafa Through Falsification of Documents
Supreme Court clarifies when a demurrer to evidence in estafa cases involving bank officials may be reviewed despite double jeopardy.
Demurrer to Evidence and Conspiracy in Anti-Graft Cases: Singian Jr. v. Sandiganbayan
Explaining when a demurrer to evidence may be denied in anti-graft cases, and how conspiracy can be inferred from circumstantial evidence.
Demurrer to Evidence Denials and the Limits of Certiorari in Anti-Graft Cases
When can a denied demurrer to evidence be overturned? The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar of grave abuse of discretion.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: Protecting the Accused in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the double jeopardy rule protects accused persons when courts grant demurrers to evidence, and why prosecutors cannot simply appeal acquittals.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: When Prosecution Appeals Are Barred
The Supreme Court explains when the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal and why certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy.
Speedy Trial vs Demurrer to Evidence: Protecting the Accused's Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a motion to dismiss for speedy trial violation and a demurrer to evidence, protecting accused rights.
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.
Grave Abuse of Discretion in Demurrer to Evidence: When Can an Interlocutory Order Be Challenged
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges commit grave abuse of discretion in granting demurrers to evidence and how interlocutory orders may be challenged.
Double Jeopardy Prevails When Acquittal Bars Further Prosecution
Philippine Savings Bank v. Bermoy clarifies that an acquittal on demurrer to evidence bars any further prosecution, even if the trial court erred.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to Present Evidence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court reminds trial courts that a demurrer to evidence must be a knowing waiver of the accused's right to present evidence.
Acquittal Based on Demurrer to Evidence: Limits and Exceptions in Philippine Law
When is an acquittal final? The Supreme Court explains the double jeopardy rule and its exception in People v. Sandiganbayan.
Standing to Sue, Co-Ownership Authority, and the Demurrer to Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner may sue alone and why lack of authority is not a ground for demurrer to evidence.
Due Process and the Right to Present Evidence on Civil Liability After Acquittal
When an accused is acquitted via demurrer to evidence, the court cannot decide civil liability without first allowing the accused to present evidence.
Waiver in Election Protests: Demurrer to Evidence Implies Loss of Right to Present Own Evidence
Filing a demurrer to evidence in an election protest waives the protestee's right to present evidence, even if the demurrer is denied.
Demurrer to Evidence: The Accused's Right vs. the Trial Court's Discretion
A demurrer to evidence tests the prosecution's case, but trial courts hold broad discretion. Learn the limits of this remedy.
Demurrer to Evidence in the Philippines: When Can a Criminal Case Be Dismissed for Insufficient Proof
Learn when Philippine courts grant a demurrer to evidence, the certiorari exception, and how inadmissible prosecution evidence can lead to acquittal.
Demurrer to Evidence: When Philippine Courts Must Dismiss Weak Cases
Learn when Philippine courts grant a demurrer to evidence and dismiss weak criminal cases, explained through the B.P. 22 case of Rosa Lim.