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.
DOJ Authority Over Preliminary Investigations: What It Means for Criminal Procedure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court recognizes the DOJ's authority to issue its own rules on preliminary investigations and repeals inconsistent provisions of Rule 112.
Probable Cause in Estafa Cases: Insights from Favis-Velasco v. Gonzales
Learn how the Supreme Court defined probable cause in estafa cases and why solid evidence matters in fraud complaints.
Preliminary Investigation Is a Substantive Right: Lessons from Palacios v. People
The Supreme Court rules that denying a reinvestigation based on procedural guidelines violates due process when the accused was never notified.
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.
Well-Founded Belief and Presumptive Death: Diligence Required for Remarriage
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict "well-founded belief" standard under Article 41 of the Family Code for declaring a missing spouse presumptively dead.
Trademark Infringement and Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Annulment of Judgment vs. Affidavit of Reappearance: Fraudulent Presumptive Death Declarations
When a presumptive death declaration is obtained by fraud, the Supreme Court clarifies why annulment of judgment—not an affidavit of reappearance—is the proper remedy.
Presumptive Death Declarations: Proving Well-Founded Belief and the Right Remedy on Appeal
Learn the rules on judicial declaration of presumptive death under Article 41 of the Family Code, including the required proof and why such rulings are immediately final and executory.
Second Marriages and Absent Spouses: Validity Under the Civil Code Explained
When a first spouse disappears, can a second marriage be valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Civil Code.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
Judge's Authority in Marriage Solemnization: Jurisdiction and Validity Rules
Learn the jurisdictional limits of judges solemnizing marriages in the Philippines and the mandatory presumptive death proceeding under the Family Code.