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.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: Lessons from the Ong Case
The Supreme Court partly grants former Sandiganbayan Justice Ong's plea for judicial clemency, restoring benefits and lifting reemployment ban.
Judicial Review of Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Hasty Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan's power to dismiss criminal cases when evidence fails to establish probable cause against accused public officials.
Defining Probable Cause in Philippine Plunder Cases: Estrada v. Office of the Ombudsman
The Supreme Court explains the standard for probable cause in plunder cases and why courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
Bail vs Demurrer: Why Different Evidence Standards Apply in Provisional Liberty and Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies why bail hearings use a lower evidence standard than demurrers to evidence, which can lead to acquittal.
PDAF Scam: Hearsay Evidence and Probable Cause in Plunder Cases
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in the PDAF scam cases, clarifying that hearsay evidence can establish probable cause.
Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Drug Cases: When Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police testimony was riddled with contradictions, reaffirming the constitutional presumption of innocence.