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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When Is an Accusation Enough? Conspiracy and Probable Cause After the Pastor Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a co-accused's confession can establish conspiracy and probable cause, and when it cannot.
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.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upheld: Probable Cause in PNP Procurement Irregularities
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's probable cause findings in anomalous PNP V-150 LAV procurement, clarifying due process and review standards.
Ombudsman's Discretion, Due Process, and Probable Cause in Public Funds Misuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in finding probable cause for misuse of public funds, explaining due process limits in preliminary investigations.
Probable Cause vs Due Process: Navigating Preliminary Investigations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between probable cause and due process in preliminary investigations, affirming a direct bribery conviction.
Navigating Probable Cause When Inconsistent Testimony Impacts Rape Allegations
The Supreme Court clarifies how inconsistent testimony affects probable cause determinations in rape complaints, balancing complainant credibility with constitutional rights.
Probable Cause and Dismissal: Examining Double Murder Charges in Montilla v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies judicial probable cause, venue vs. jurisdiction, and dismissal of double murder charges in Montilla v. People.
Safeguarding Minors: The Supreme Court's Stance on Trafficking and Probable Cause
The Supreme Court reinstates a qualified trafficking case, clarifying probable cause standards and protecting minors from exploitation.
Vote Buying Claims Need Credible Evidence, Not Just Video Clips
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to establish probable cause for vote-buying complaints under the Omnibus Election Code.
Electoral Integrity: Credible Evidence Required to Substantiate Vote-Buying Allegations
The Supreme Court clarifies that vote-buying complaints need credible evidence, not just videos and speculation, to establish probable cause.
Ombudsmans Discretion When CAN Courts Intervene IN Probable Cause Determinations
Probable Cause Prevails Warrantless Arrest Upheld Despite Acquittal IN Underlying Crime
A defective search warrant cannot justify a warrantless arrest or the seizure of evidence, even if the accused waives objections to the arrest itself.
Freeze Orders in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Asset Protection Under AMLA
Learn how Philippine courts protect assets from unjustified freeze orders, and why probable cause is essential under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman's Discretion in Public Fund Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's probable cause finding against a mayor for unlawful appointments and graft, underscoring judicial restraint.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman: When Courts Defer to Prosecutorial Discretion
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in public official cases, reinforcing judicial restraint absent grave abuse of discretion.
Probable Cause and Hot Pursuit: When Police Can Make a Warrantless Arrest
The Supreme Court clarifies the "hot pursuit" exception to the warrant requirement, explaining when police may arrest without a warrant.
Conspiracy and Graft: Probable Cause Against Private Individuals in Anti-Graft Cases
When can a private person be charged with graft under RA 3019? The Supreme Court clarifies the conspiracy requirement in Arroyo v. Sandiganbayan.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause: Protecting Private Individuals From Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals may be charged under the Anti-Graft law, emphasizing the need for evidence of conspiracy with public officers.
A Lone Tip Is Not Enough: Probable Cause and Drug Transportation Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug transport accused when warrantless search rested on a solitary tip and chain of custody lapses.
Understanding Probable Cause: Judicial vs Executive Determinations in Customs Violations
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between executive and judicial probable cause in customs cases, and when courts may overturn prosecutors' findings.
Probable Cause and Specificity: When a Materials Engineer Cannot Be Indicted for Graft
The Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause for graft requires specific facts showing a public officer's bad faith, not mere involvement in a project.
Navigating Probable Cause: Warrantless Vehicle Searches in the Philippines
A solitary tip cannot justify an intrusive warrantless vehicle search in the Philippines. Learn the probable cause standard from Evardo v. People.
Probable Cause and Syndicated Estafa: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause, syndicated estafa, and conspiracy in Debuque v. Nilson, a landmark ruling on criminal procedure.
Understanding Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A mayor's conviction for graft and malversation over an illegal price escalation payment—key lessons on public fund disbursement.