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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B.P. 22 Defense: Payment Before Information Filing Can Defeat Dishonored Check Charges
The Supreme Court explains when paying a dishonored check before charges are filed can defeat a B.P. 22 prosecution.
When Paying a Bounced Check Before Charges Are Filed Can Mean Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court explains when full payment of a dishonored check before the filing of an Information can lead to acquittal from BP 22 charges.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended For Conflicting Representation
A lawyer who represents a client against an existing retainer client of his law firm violates Rule 15.03, even without using confidential information.
Prescription Period for Ordinance Violations: Filing the Complaint vs. the Information
When does prescription run for ordinance violations? The Supreme Court clarifies whether filing a complaint with the prosecutor interrupts the period.
The Court's Duty of Independent Assessment in Dismissing Criminal Cases
When prosecutors move to withdraw an Information, trial courts must independently assess the merits—not just perfunctorily deny the motion.
When the Charge and Conviction Differ: Estafa, Due Process, and the Information
The Supreme Court explains when a conviction for estafa under a different paragraph than charged is valid, and why the facts in the Information matter most.
Right to Information: Compelling Document Production in Credit Assignment Cases
Supreme Court rules on compelling production of documents referenced in a Deed of Assignment under Rule 27, protecting debtors' right to information.
Beyond Labels: Conviction for Rape Stands Despite Mislabeling in Information
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mislabeling a crime in the Information doesn't invalidate a conviction if the facts alleged constitute the offense charged.
Double Jeopardy and Speedy Trial Rights in the ASEAN Street Lighting Case
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on double jeopardy, speedy disposition, and amended informations in Braza v. Sandiganbayan.
Misrepresenting Relationship in Rape Cases: Effect on Conviction and Penalty
A rape conviction can be downgraded from qualified to simple rape if the information misstates the accused's relationship to the victim, affecting the penalty.
Preventive Suspension Under RA 3019: When a Hearing Is Not Required
The Supreme Court explains when preventive suspension of public officers is valid even without an actual hearing, and what makes an information sufficient.
When Parental Authority Turns to Abuse: Examining the Crime of Qualified Statutory Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and qualified statutory rape, emphasizing the need for precise allegations in criminal informations.
When Prohibition Fails: Understanding the Limits of Extraordinary Writs in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may be used despite a pending information, and how fair reporting protects the press from libel.
Conviction for a Different Crime: When Courts Can Convict You of an Uncharged Offense
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a conviction for an offense not charged in the Information is valid under the Rules of Court.
Sufficiency of Information in Criminal Cases: Ensuring Fair Notice to the Accused
How Philippine courts test whether a criminal Information sufficiently informs the accused of the charge, with lessons from a drug case.
Right to Information vs Confidentiality in Professional Exams: Antolin v. Domondon
The Supreme Court balances the constitutional right to information against confidentiality rules for professional licensure exams in Antolin v. Domondon.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Mental Retardation and the Assessment of Force and Consent
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape charge built on force and intimidation does not require the victim's mental retardation to be alleged in the information.
Safeguarding Suffrage: The Right to Information in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court compels Comelec to disclose election preparations, affirming the people's right to information on matters of public concern.
When Courts Defer to Ombudsman Discretion in Anti-Graft Investigations
Sandiganbayan need not order a new preliminary investigation when a re-filed anti-graft information merely changes the mode of committing the same offense.
Re-Filing Graft Case Needs No New Preliminary Investigation When Only the Mode of Commission Changes
A re-filed graft information that changes only the mode of committing the offense, not its nature, does not require a new preliminary investigation.
The Devil in the Details: Upholding Conviction Despite Flaw in Rape Information
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction but reduces penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to allege relationship within the third civil degree.
When Courts Must Decide Independently: Withdrawal of Criminal Informations in the Philippines
Philippine courts must independently assess prosecutors' motions to withdraw criminal informations, not merely adopt the Secretary of Justice's recommendation.
Judges Must Independently Assess Withdrawal of Criminal Informations
Learn the Supreme Court's rule on withdrawal of criminal informations and the judge's duty of independent assessment before approving dismissal.
Sufficiency of Information Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Imprecise Dates
Supreme Court affirms statutory rape conviction, ruling that an Information need not state the exact date of the offense.