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.
Attempted Robbery With Homicide: Key Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Understand the special complex crime of attempted robbery with homicide under Philippine law, using insights from People v. Macabales.
Prescription Periods in Graft Cases: The Discovery Rule for Ill-Gotten Wealth
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the prescription period for graft cases begins—from discovery, not commission, of the offense.
Proving Guilt in Rape-Slay Cases: Credibility of Deaf-Mute Witnesses and Conspiracy
The Supreme Court affirms rape-slay convictions based on a deaf-mute eyewitness's testimony, and clarifies the rules on witness credibility and conspiracy.
Conspiracy in Philippine Law: How Group Actions Lead to Shared Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when conspirators share equal blame for a crime, using a murder case where two brothers attacked one victim.
Murder Conviction and Damages: Lessons from People v. Villarba
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions, clarifies treachery, conspiracy, and damages computation in a tricycle driver's killing.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: When Words Lead to a Homicide Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy in Philippine law makes all robbers liable for homicide, even without pulling the trigger.
Breach of Trust: Parental Rape and Child Protection Laws in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father who raped his 12-year-old daughter, clarifying parental authority and rape laws.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Liability and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy liability in robbery with homicide, the due process rights of accused persons, and how physical injuries merge into the crime.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: How Group Actions Can Lead to Equal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, group liability, and when co-accused share equal criminal responsibility.
Beware Illegal Recruiters: How Philippine Law Protects Aspiring OFWs From Scams
Learn how Philippine law punishes illegal recruiters who prey on aspiring OFWs, and what protections RA 8042 provides.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Philippine Courts Test the Validity of Drug Busts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and invalid instigation in drug cases, using a marijuana buy-bust case as guide.
The Unwavering Eye: How Eyewitness Testimony Secures Convictions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining why a single eyewitness's positive identification outweighs alibi and minor inconsistencies.
Conspiracy in Rape Cases: Collective Criminal Liability Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts apply conspiracy to hold all participants in a gang rape equally liable, even those who did not directly commit the act.
Principals vs Accomplices: Degrees of Participation in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains the difference between principals and accomplices in Philippine criminal law, and how courts determine each participant's liability.
When Silence Implies Guilt: Co-Conspirator Testimony in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a co-conspirator's uncorroborated testimony can convict in robbery with homicide cases.
Collective Liability and Conspiracy in Criminal Actions: People v. Aquino
When does mere presence or participation in a transaction amount to criminal conspiracy? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Aquino.
Accountability in Conspiracy: Establishing Homicide Liability in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts, and why each conspirator is liable for the crimes committed by the group.
Challenging Compromise Judgments Protecting Third Party Rights IN Philippine Courts
A look at how Philippine courts treat assignments of delivery receipts, agency claims, and compensation in sugar sale disputes.
Unreliable Witness Identification When Does It Impact A Criminal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when witness identification and conspiracy evidence fail to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
Learn how treachery qualifies homicide to murder in Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Obosa.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Group Attacks: Key Lessons from People v. Conde
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery doctrines to hold a participant liable for murder in a group stabbing.
Self-Defense and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Caverte
A look at how the Supreme Court applied self-defense, alibi, treachery, and conspiracy rules in People v. Caverte.
Ombudsmans Discretion When Courts Defer to Anti-Graft Investigations
Philippine courts defer to Ombudsman findings in anti-graft cases absent grave abuse of discretion. Learn from Morong Water District.
When Defense Falters Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Philippine LAW
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how treachery elevates a killing to murder and why alibi fails without proof of physical impossibility.