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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Contractual Obligations Upholding Clear Terms In Waiver Agreements
The Supreme Court enforces the plain terms of a waiver agreement, ruling that clear contractual stipulations prevail over claims of unexpressed intent.
Correcting Vote Tabulation Errors: The Supreme Court on Voter Intent and Ballot Appreciation
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC must correct manifest tabulation errors and uphold voter intent in ballot appreciation, reversing a ruling that ignored certified evidence.
Shared Intent OR Unknowing AID Examining Conspiracy IN Kidnapping FOR Ransom Cases
Accidental Shooting Intent and Liability in Firearm Mishaps Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide clarifies criminal liability when killings occur during heists, even if accidental.
Reckless Imprudence vs Murder: Distinguishing Intent From Negligence in Vehicular Homicide
When a jeepney driver hits a pedestrian, is it murder or reckless imprudence? The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial distinction.
When a Killing During a Carnapping Is Only Homicide: The Limits of Criminal Intent
The Supreme Court explains when a killing during an alleged carnapping may be punished only as homicide, not the special complex crime.
Rape Conviction Stands Despite Initial Charge of Forcible Abduction
Supreme Court rules forcible abduction is absorbed in rape when the intent is carnal knowledge, affirming conviction.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Case of Conrado Casitas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill is shown by the number and location of wounds inflicted.
Burden of Proof in Self-Defense: Establishing Intent in Frustrated Homicide Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims and intent to kill in frustrated homicide cases through Gorospe v. People.
Rape vs Illegal Detention: Distinguishing Intent in Criminal Liability
When does illegal detention become absorbed in rape? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction based on the offender's intent.
Distinguishing Between Sale AND Equitable Mortgage Intent Prevails Over Form
Treachery AND Witness Credibility Ensuring Justice FOR Victims OF Intentional Killings
Accidental Injury vs Intent: Reassessing Guilt in Assault Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when accidental injury in a struggle negates intent to kill, reducing criminal liability.
When Drunken Banter Turns Deadly: Redefining Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
Explore how the Supreme Court redefined murder to homicide in a drunken altercation case, clarifying intent and liability.
Robbery With Homicide Liability Extends to All Participants, Even Without Intent to Kill
The Supreme Court clarifies that all robbery participants are liable for robbery with homicide, even if they did not personally kill.
Accidental Shooting or Intentional Act: Understanding Criminal Liability in Retubado
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a shooting is an accident or a crime, and why the defense of state of necessity failed.
Treachery and Evident Premeditation: When Intentional Killings Are Homicide, Not Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery and evident premeditation qualify a killing as murder, explaining what prosecutors must prove.
Attempted Drug Sale Proving Intent Over Consummation
The Fine Line Between Self-Defense and Homicide: Establishing Intent in Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a claim of accident or self-defense fails, and how courts determine criminal intent in homicide cases.
Infidelity AND Intent Understanding Homicide IN THE Heat OF Marital Betrayal
When Intent Falters: Attempted Robbery With Homicide vs. Consummated Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when a robbery that ends in death is only attempted, not consummated, and explains the proper penalty.
Simple Arson vs Destructive Arson: Intent and Degree of Damage in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple arson and destructive arson, focusing on intent, degree of damage, and the properties burned.