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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Adultery and Probable Cause: Balancing Marital Rights and Fair Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on probable cause in adultery cases and the private complainant's right to file certiorari.
Private Complainants and the Right to Appeal: Harmonizing Jurisprudence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when private complainants may question acquittals or dismissals in criminal cases, and when only the OSG may act.
Understanding the Limits of Private Complainants in Challenging Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat private complainants' appeals in criminal case dismissals, including standing and procedural rules.
Who May Appeal a Criminal Case Dismissal? The Rule on Private Complainants
A private complainant cannot question the dismissal of a criminal case; only the OSG may appeal the criminal aspect. Learn the rule.
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.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutorial findings and the limits of a private complainant's right to appeal criminal case dismissals.
Who Can Appeal a Criminal Acquittal? The Rule on Private Complainants
Private complainants cannot appeal a criminal acquittal except for the civil aspect. Learn the rule from Cu v. Ventura.
Who Can Appeal a Criminal Acquittal? Private Complainants, the OSG, and the Civil Aspect
Explaining why a private complainant cannot appeal a criminal acquittal alone, and when the OSG must act.
Bigamy and Void Ab Initio Marriages: The Crucial Role of Legal Standing in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on bigamy highlights why only the Solicitor General can appeal criminal dismissals, not private complainants.
Who Represents the People? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that only the Office of the Solicitor General may appeal criminal cases, not private complainants.
Only the Solicitor General Can Appeal Criminal Case Dismissals
Private complainants cannot appeal the dismissal of criminal cases; only the OSG may do so on behalf of the State.
Standing to Sue: Why Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Dismissals Alone
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why private complainants lack legal standing to appeal criminal case dismissals without the Solicitor General.
When an Acquittal Stands: Double Jeopardy and the Private Complainant’s Limited Role in Criminal Appeals
Explaining why an acquittal is final, who may appeal a criminal case, and the limits of a private complainant’s participation under Philippine law.
Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases: Only the State Can Appeal the Criminal Aspect of a Dismissed Case
In Ong v. Genio, the Supreme Court ruled that only the Office of the Solicitor General may appeal the criminal aspect of a dismissed case, not the private complainant.
Limits to Private Appeals Examining the Scope of Authority in Philippine Administrative Law
A private complainant cannot appeal a PNP administrative case; only the government and respondent may do so under RA 6975.
Judicial Integrity: When a Judge Must Inhibit From a Case
A judge who hears a criminal case where his wife is the private complainant violates judicial conduct rules and must pay a fine.
Private Complainants May File Certiorari in Criminal Cases: Rodriguez v. Gadiane
When can a private complainant in a criminal case file certiorari without the prosecutor's conformity? The Supreme Court explains in Rodriguez v. Gadiane.
Finality of Judgments: Why Closed Administrative Cases Cannot Be Reopened by Complainants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, collateral attacks, and why private complainants cannot reopen closed administrative cases.
Independent Civil Actions for Quasi-Delict: Rights of the Accused in Reckless Imprudence Cases
When can an accused in a reckless imprudence case file a separate civil action for quasi-delict against the private complainant? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Case Dismissals Without State Conformity
Philippine Investment Two v. Sebastian clarifies when a private complainant may appeal a criminal case dismissal and the State's role in prosecutions.