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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Defective Information in VAWC Cases: When Lack of Specificity Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a VAWC accused because the Information failed to allege mental or emotional anguish, a crucial element under Section 5(i) of RA 9262.
Qualified Rape and Due Process: When "Niece" in the Information Suffices
The Supreme Court clarifies that naming a victim as an During trial, AAA positively identified her maternal uncle as the perpetrator, narrating that he dragged her to a hut, undressed her, and inserte
Freedom of Information in Philippine Elections: What the Supreme Court Said About Citizen Recount Requests
The Supreme Court dismissed a voter petition for a manual recount in Pangasinan, clarifying the limits of the right to information in elections.
Estafa Acquittal: Why a Faulty Information Violates Due Process in the Philippines
A flawed information can lead to acquittal in estafa cases. Learn how the right to be informed shapes criminal due process in the Philippines.
Theft vs Qualified Theft: Why the Wording of the Information Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when abuse of confidence elevates theft to qualified theft, and why the information must allege grave abuse.
Motion to Withdraw Information: When Courts Must Assess Evidence Before Dismissal
Courts must independently assess evidence before granting a motion to withdraw information. Learn the rules from a recent Sandiganbayan case.
When Prescription Bars a Lesser Offense: Corpus v. People
The Court explains when an accused cannot be convicted of a lesser offense because it already prescribed before the information was filed.
When "Or" Creates Uncertainty: The Perils of Imprecise Language in Qualified Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that an Information charging qualified rape must precisely allege the qualifying relationship—not state it in the alternative using raped a 16-year-old victim.
When Does Filing a Complaint Against a Former Client Create a Conflict of Interest
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against a lawyer who sued his former client, clarifying when using confidential information creates a conflict of interest.
Defective Informations and Qualifying Circumstances: Lessons from People v. Pilen
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Pilen clarifies when defective Informations waive objections and how treachery is proven.
Omission of Drug Quantity in Information: Can Conviction Still Stand?
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Information's failure to state drug quantity affects conviction and penalty in drug cases.
Search Warrant Validity: Compelling Reasons Needed for Out-of-Jurisdiction Applications
Supreme Court clarifies that "compelling reasons" for out-of-jurisdiction search warrant applications require substantial evidence, not bare claims of information leakage.
Omission vs False Statement: Protecting Labor Rights in Employment Applications
Supreme Court rules mere omission of past employment in a job application is not false information justifying dismissal.
Attorney Suspended for Filing Petition Based on Client Misinformation
A lawyer's blind reliance on client claims led to a six-month suspension for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Due Process Prevails: Informations Clarity Protects Against Unfair Conviction
The Supreme Court rules that administrative liability requires a formal charge, protecting public employees from unfair conviction based on delay alone.
Qualified Rape and the Uncle Relationship: When an Information Need Not State "Third Civil Degree"
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Information sufficiently alleges the qualifying circumstance of relationship in qualified rape cases involving an uncle.
Duplicitous Informations and Child Abuse: Understanding Convictions for Multiple Offenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how duplicitous informations can lead to convictions for multiple offenses, and when child abuse charges apply instead of rape.
Right to Information vs. Exam Confidentiality: The Antolin-Rosero Ruling
The Supreme Court balances the right to information against exam confidentiality in Antolin-Rosero v. PRC, a landmark 2021 ruling.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights From a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how treachery must be alleged in an Information and when an accused waives the right to question it.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Understanding Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Murder and Robbery Cases
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy and treachery work in murder and robbery cases, and what must be alleged in the Information.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder, the need for specific allegations in an Information, and proper damages awards.
Rape Conviction Reduced to Simple Rape When Mental Disability Not Alleged in Information
The Supreme Court explains why a rape conviction was reduced from qualified to simple rape when the victim's mental disability was not alleged in the information.
Directors' Liability for SSS Contributions: When Courts May Deny Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on directors' liability for unpaid SSS contributions and the trial court's discretion in criminal cases.