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.

Showing 112 of 12 articles for executive clemency

Doctrine of Condonation: When Re-Election Erases Past Misconduct

The Supreme Court explains when re-election can erase past administrative misconduct, and when it cannot.

Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Employment Relationships

The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, and explains the penalty rules.

Finality of Judgment vs Newly Discovered Evidence in Homicide Cases

When a conviction becomes final, can newly discovered evidence reopen the case? The Supreme Court explains the limits.

Forfeiture in Plunder Cases: Tracing Ill-Gotten Wealth and Protecting State Interests

Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld the forfeiture of assets traceable to plunder, including shares held by third parties, under RA 7080.

Shared Intent Shared Liability Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law

Learn how conspiracy works in Philippine criminal law, when co-accused share liability, and what the Supreme Court says about proving a common design.

Withdrawal of Appeal in Reclusion Perpetua Cases: Discretion and Executive Clemency

The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua cases are not subject to mandatory review, allowing appellants to withdraw their appeals.

B.P. 22 Issuing a Worthless Check Is a Crime Regardless of Intent

The Supreme Court affirms that issuing a worthless check is a crime under B.P. 22, regardless of the issuer's intent or purpose.

Defining Kidnapping When Taking A Child Becomes A Crime IN THE Philippines

When does taking a child become kidnapping? The Supreme Court explains the elements of serious illegal detention under the Revised Penal Code.

Understanding Amnesty vs Pardon in the Philippines: Key Differences and Implications

Learn the crucial differences between amnesty and pardon in Philippine law, their legal effects, and why the distinction matters for criminal cases.

Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal in the Philippines: Rights and Limits After Conviction

Can a convicted person withdraw a criminal appeal in the Philippines? People v. Redulosa explains the right, limits, and consequences.

Executive Clemency and Pending Appeals: When Can a Pardon Be Granted?

Philippine Supreme Court rules pardons granted while an appeal is pending are void, explaining the constitutional limits on executive clemency.

Understanding Intent in Murder Cases: When Can a Killing Be Reduced to a Lesser Crime

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on intent, treachery, and penalty computation in murder cases under the Revised Penal Code.