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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Unraveling Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: The Gungon Case and Its Implications
The Gungon case clarifies how Philippine courts prove conspiracy through circumstantial evidence and how complex crimes are penalized.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Justifying Circumstances and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense and alibi claims, and why both failed in this murder and frustrated homicide case.
Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions in Philippine Criminal Law
Explore when extrajudicial confessions are admissible in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Jerez.
Positive Identification Overcomes Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibi in criminal cases, explained through a 1998 rape conviction.
Admissibility of Confessions in Philippine Criminal Law: A Case Analysis
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility, delay in reporting crimes, and damages in murder cases through this case analysis.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: How Alevosia Qualifies a Killing to Murder
In People v. Villamor, the Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder and how damages must be proven with evidence.
Eyewitness Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence in drug cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Circumstantial Evidence AND Reasonable Doubt Protecting THE Innocent IN Philippine Criminal LAW
Self-Defense vs. Alibi: The Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains why self-defense and alibi failed in People v. Jagolingay, and what it takes to prove these defenses.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explaining sudden attacks and how it absorbs abuse of superior strength.
Consent and Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on rape underscores how victim credibility and positive identification shape convictions, offering key lessons for criminal law.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using People v. Reboltiado to show how sudden, planned attacks qualify.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Panes
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killings as murder in the Philippines.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery, evident premeditation, and conspiracy in a brutal multiple murder case from Negros Oriental.
Credibility of Eyewitnesses in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Palomar
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and alibi in a brutal multiple murder case.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent and Defenseless Victims
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, and why suddenness or superior numbers alone are not enough.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Sudden Attack From Behind as Qualifying Circumstance
When does a sudden attack from behind constitute treachery? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Mesa.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Elements and Implications
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery and why it qualifies murder, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Marollano.
Rape Conviction and Conspiracy: Why Credible Testimony Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony and conspiracy, explaining key evidentiary rules in Philippine criminal law.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explained through a Supreme Court case.
Robbery vs Kidnapping: Distinguishing Intent in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when taking a vehicle with violence is robbery, not kidnapping, in People v. Sinoc.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: Lessons from People v. Balad
In People v. Balad, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over the defense of alibi in Philippine criminal law.
Conspiracy vs Individual Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: A Clear Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies when separate attacks by co-accused do not amount to conspiracy, requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt for each element.
When Does Alibi Fail: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why alibi fails against positive identification, and when moral damages are not awarded in criminal cases.