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.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and why using Facebook raises the penalty.
Understanding the Distinction Between Attempted and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why proving the wound's fatality matters.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: The Helen Lapena Case and Its Impact on Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for qualified trafficking in persons, clarifying how floor managers who maintain minors for prostitution are held liable under RA 9208.
Understanding Treachery in Homicide Cases: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery qualifies killing to murder, and when it does not.
Understanding Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes psychological violence under RA 9262, including marital infidelity, hearsay exceptions, and penalties.
Teacher Misconduct and Child Abuse: When Dismissal Is Justified in the Philippines
When does teacher misconduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of compassionate justice in child abuse cases.
When Mayors Face Criminal Liability for Unremitted GSIS Contributions
Supreme Court clarifies when municipal mayors can be held criminally liable for failure to remit GSIS premium contributions under RA 8291.
Reasonable Doubt and Acquittal: Inconsistent Testimonies in Philippine Homicide Cases
How inconsistent prosecution testimonies can create reasonable doubt and lead to acquittal in Philippine homicide cases, as shown in Balina v. People.
Understanding Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lascivious conduct and other child abuse under RA 7610, modifying a conviction and imposing a heavier penalty.
Robbery Under Philippine Law: When Taking and Intent to Gain Are Complete
The Supreme Court in Poquiz v. People clarifies when robbery is consummated—the moment of taking, not recovery. Learn the elements and practical implications.
Force and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Licaros
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Licaros clarifies how force and intimidation are proven in rape cases, emphasizing the power of a victim's credible testimony.
Understanding Child Abuse Under Philippine Law: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific intent is required for child abuse convictions under RA 7610, protecting children from physical maltreatment.
Lascivious Conduct and Attempted Homicide: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes lascivious conduct from attempted homicide, and why the prosecution's evidence must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails in homicide cases and the penalties that follow.
Robbery with Rape and Grave Threats: Key Lessons from People v. Bueza
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how credible testimony can prove robbery with rape and grave threats, even without physical injuries.
Understanding Rape Convictions: Victim Testimony and Legal Standards in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying how victim testimony, force, and identity are assessed under Philippine law.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: The Supreme Court’s Stand on Prosecution Consent
A guilty plea to a lesser drug offense needs the prosecutor’s consent. Learn the rules and what the Court said in People v. Reafor.
Understanding Theft in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A look at how the Supreme Court clarifies plea bargaining rules in drug cases and what this means for criminal procedure in the Philippines.
Understanding Double Jeopardy When an Acquittal Can Be Challenged in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and when it can be challenged, using a child abuse case as an example.
Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies what the prosecution must prove in reckless imprudence resulting in homicide cases, and why mere negligence is not enough.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: What People v. XXX Means for Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a relative's moral ascendancy can substitute for force or intimidation in proving qualified rape.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how moral ascendancy can replace force or intimidation in rape cases involving relatives.
The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Teaches Us
The sweetheart defense cannot justify rape. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled and why consent matters in Philippine law.
Understanding Illegal Drug Possession: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a failed buy-bust becomes illegal possession, and what the chain of custody requires.