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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Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
Defective Information in Rape Cases: Waiver and Amendment Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules on defective information in rape cases, waiver by failure to quash, and amendment of indefinite dates.
Treachery and Qualifying Circumstances: Understanding Murder vs Homicide in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why treachery must be alleged in the information to convict for murder, not just homicide.
The Perils of Sin Perjuicio Judgments: Ensuring Timely and Complete Justice in the Philippines
Philippine courts must independently assess prosecutorial motions to withdraw information, balancing judicial discretion with the Secretary of Justice's review powers.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Assessment of Justice Secretary's Resolutions in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trial courts' duty to independently assess Justice Secretary's resolutions in withdrawal of criminal informations.
Homicide vs. Murder: How Philippine Courts Read Criminal Intent in an Information
A Supreme Court ruling explains when amending an information from homicide to murder is only a formal change, not a violation of the accused's rights.
Amending Criminal Informations: When a Homicide Charge Can Be Upgraded to Murder
The Supreme Court explains when prosecutors may amend an information to upgrade homicide to murder after the accused has already pleaded not guilty.