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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Robbery With Homicide: Proving Intent Through Res Gestae Evidence
How a spontaneous admission helped prove robbery with homicide, and why res gestae evidence matters in Philippine criminal cases.
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.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Intent and Participation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence proves conspiracy and guilt beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases: When Is It Enough to Convict?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict, and when it fails the test of moral certainty.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When Civil Cases Halt Criminal Proceedings in the Philippines
Understand the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine criminal procedure, including when courts may suspend criminal cases pending civil actions.
Rape and Robbery: How Philippine Courts Handle Complex Criminal Cases
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how forcible abduction with rape and robbery charges are treated when multiple crimes arise from one criminal episode.
Recanted Testimony: How It Impacts Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how recanted testimony affects Philippine criminal cases, when courts disregard it, and why it rarely leads to acquittal.
Eyewitness Testimony and Reasonable Doubt: When Identification Fails in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court acquits in People v. Galera, showing how shaky eyewitness identification and inconsistent testimony create reasonable doubt.
Positive Identification vs. Alibi: How Philippine Courts Determine Guilt in Criminal Cases
Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi. Learn the rules from People v. Palomar and how guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Illegal Possession of Firearms in the Philippines: Penalties and Retroactive Laws
Learn how the Supreme Court applied a new, lighter penalty for illegal firearm possession retroactively, and what this means for criminal cases in the Philippines.
When Self-Defense Fails: Proving Treachery in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails, how treachery must be proven, and when nighttime aggravates a crime in People v. Cayabyab.
Circumstantial Evidence and Witness Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A look at how positive identification by credible witnesses and circumstantial evidence can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
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.
Witness Testimony and the Standard of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial and alibi in criminal cases, explained through a murder conviction.
How Reliable Eyewitness Testimony Secures Convictions in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility carefully when deciding criminal cases. Learn how positive identification and consistent testimony lead to convictions.
Can an Accused File a Counterclaim in a Criminal Case? The Rule in Cabaero
Explains when accused may file counterclaims in criminal cases, citing Cabaero v. Cantos and the rule on implied civil actions.
Counterclaims in Criminal Cases: When Can the Accused Seek Damages?
The Supreme Court in Cabaero v. Cantos clarifies when an accused may file a counterclaim for damages in a criminal case, and when a separate civil action is required.
Failing to Object to Evidence: Waiver Rules in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why silence on inadmissible evidence means waiver, and how death before final judgment extinguishes liability.
Dying Declarations Admissibility and Impact on Criminal Cases in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat dying declarations in criminal cases, their admissibility requirements, and their impact on convictions.
The Perils of Delayed Disclosure: Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification, voice recognition, and alibi in criminal cases, explained through a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.
Positive Identification vs Alibi: Key Factors in Philippine Criminal Defense
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when alibi fails against positive identification, circumstantial evidence, and conspiracy in criminal cases.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Circumstances
Explore how Philippine courts assess treachery in criminal cases, focusing on intent, circumstances, and the elements required for conviction.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Criminal Law: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Understand how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony in criminal cases and the constitutional standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.