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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When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
Understand when self-defense and defense of relative fail under Philippine law, and why unlawful aggression is the key element.
Self-Defense and Treachery: When Killing Becomes Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack from behind qualifies as treachery, elevating homicide to murder, and why self-defense claims fail.
Credibility Counts: How Philippine Courts Decide Self-Defense Claims in Murder Cases
Philippine courts weigh credibility heavily when accused persons invoke self-defense in murder cases. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at People v. Ebrada, where the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a fatal stabbing.
When Is Self-Defense Justified in the Philippines? Limits of Self-Defense and Defense of Strangers
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and defense of strangers apply in the Philippines, and when they fail.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Defenseless Victims
The Supreme Court explains treachery, conspiracy, and self-defense in a murder case involving three brothers who shot an unarmed victim.
When Words Fail and Knives Speak: Self-Defense and Homicide in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails, how accomplices differ from principals, and why a heated argument defeats treachery.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why accused persons claiming self-defense must prove it, and how courts assess such claims.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Killing Can Be Justified
The Supreme Court explains the three elements of self-defense in the Philippines and why a murder conviction stood despite the accused's claim.
When Is Killing Justifiable Self-Defense in the Philippines? People v. Magaro
The Supreme Court explains when killing is justifiable self-defense and when it is homicide, using People v. Magaro as a guide.
When Self Defense Becomes Homicide: Treachery and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a claim of self-defense fails and why a killing is homicide, not murder, absent treachery.
Self-Defense or Murder: Understanding Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and why a killing may be homicide, not murder, in People v. Solis.
How Philippine Courts Assess Witness Credibility and Nighttime Aggravation
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling explains how trial courts weigh witness credibility, self-defense claims, and when nighttime aggravates a crime.
When IS Self Defense Valid IN THE Philippines Analyzing Intent AND Proportionality
Understand self-defense in Philippine law: when it applies, the requirements of unlawful aggression, and how courts weigh intent and proportionality.
Unraveling Treachery and Self-Defense: A Philippine Case Study on Murder Convictions
How the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from self-defense in a 1998 murder case, affirming convictions and clarifying burden of proof.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Homicide vs. Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing becomes homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim can backfire.
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.
When Can Self Defense Claims Be Denied Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Explore when Philippine courts deny self-defense claims, using People v. Molas to illustrate how weak defenses fail against strong prosecution evidence.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Legally Use Force?
Philippine law allows force only when unlawful aggression is real. Learn the three elements of self-defense and why claims often fail.
Proving Self-Defense and Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from People v. Carpio
A look at how the Supreme Court evaluates self-defense claims and treachery in murder, using the 1997 Carpio decision.
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.
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.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails against treachery, and how conspiracy and surrender affect criminal liability in murder cases.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Understanding the Limits of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine homicide cases, using the 1997 Maalat ruling as a guide.