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.
How the Supreme Court Sanctions Judicial Delay and Prosecutorial Nonfeasance in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court annulled an acquittal tainted by prosecutorial nonfeasance and judicial delay, reaffirming due process for offended parties.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in plunder cases, and why each accused is liable only for acts they committed.
The Perils of Alibi: Why Positive Identification Alone Cannot Guarantee Conviction
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite positive identification, emphasizing that the prosecution must prove force and intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
How a credible eyewitness account outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine murder convictions, per People v. Ticalo.
Rape vs Theft: Distinguishing Intent in Special Complex Crimes Under Philippine Law
When does robbery with rape apply? The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to take property must precede the rape, not follow it.
Dying Declarations and Circumstantial Evidence: People v. Norrudin Explained
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Norrudin shows how dying declarations and circumstantial evidence can prove murder beyond reasonable doubt.
Dying Declarations Establishing Consciousness of Impending Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dying declarations and the requirement of consciousness of impending death in criminal cases.
Double Jeopardy and Modification of Criminal Penalties: Protecting the Accused
The Supreme Court rules that courts cannot increase a convicted person's penalty on the prosecution's motion, citing double jeopardy protections.
The Boundaries of Consent: Statutory Rape and the Exploitation of Minors in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Jalosjos clarifies that statutory rape applies regardless of consent, especially when minors are exploited.
Lone Witness Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts assess a lone witness's credibility in criminal cases, and why positive identification defeats alibi.
Cattle Rustling: When Taking and Ownership Are Proven in Large Cattle Theft
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what proves in cattle rustling is broad.** A caretaker, herdsman, or anyone in lawful possession counts as an owner for purposes of consent under P.D. 533.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence and Illegal Firearms in Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence and illegal firearms possession under PD 1866.
Dismissal for Judicial Misconduct: Impartiality and Diligence in Granting Hospital Confinement
A judge's dismissal for granting hospital confinement without hearing shows why diligence and impartiality are non-negotiable in every judicial act.
Dying Declarations and Circumstantial Evidence Proving Homicide Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When a dying victim names her assailant, that statement can convict—but only if the prosecution proves every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Ethics: When Can a Judge's Spouse Practice Law in His Court
Explore the ethical boundaries for judges' spouses practicing law, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft cases begins, distinguishing discovery from commission of the offense.
Treachery Unproven: Downgrading Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
When treachery is not proven beyond reasonable doubt, a murder conviction is reduced to homicide. This case explains the rule.
Ignorance of the Law Excuses No One: Erroneous Application of Mitigating Circumstances
A judge's error in appreciating mitigating circumstances leads to a fine for gross ignorance of the law, explaining the rules on plea of guilty and voluntary surrender.
Vindication and Unlicensed Firearms: When Personal Offense Mitigates Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies how a grave personal offense can mitigate murder and how unlicensed firearms affect sentencing.
Self-Defense vs. Accidental Killing: Proving Treachery in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden stabbing from behind constitutes treachery, elevating homicide to murder, and when intoxication mitigates liability.
Bouncing Checks Law: The 90-Day Rule and Proof of Knowledge Under BP 22
Presenting a check after 90 days does not bar prosecution under BP 22—knowledge of insufficient funds can still be proven by other evidence.
Murder to Homicide: Proving Evident Premeditation and Treachery in Philippine Law
When the prosecution fails to prove evident premeditation or treachery, a murder conviction falls to homicide. Learn the rules from People v. Aytalin.
How the Prosecution Proves Intent to Gain in Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court explains how intent to gain is proven in robbery with homicide cases, using People v. Del Rosario as a guide.
Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy and evident premeditation in murder, explaining how joint purpose and intent establish liability.