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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Breach of Trust: The Supreme Court's Stance on Incestuous Rape and Parental Authority
A stepfather's rape conviction upheld, but death penalty reduced to reclusion perpetua for failure to prove minority and relationship.
Reasonable Doubt and Witness Credibility: Protecting the Accused's Rights in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a conviction stands, how self-defense is proven, and why treachery must be established beyond reasonable doubt.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Supreme Court's Stance on Rape of a Child with Epilepsy
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for four counts of statutory rape against a 10-year-old girl with epilepsy, clarifying rules on delay in reporting, alibi, and damages.
When a Child's Testimony Alone Can Convict: Lessons from People v. Degala
In People v. Degala, the Supreme Court convicted a father of raping his minor daughter based largely on her lone testimony, clarifying rules on credibility and damages.
Lack of Treachery Evidence Reduces Murder Charge to Homicide: People v. Crisanto
When prosecution fails to prove treachery, a murder conviction may be reduced to homicide. Learn the rules from People v. Crisanto.
Rape Conviction Upheld Intoxication AND THE Issue OF Consent
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and the Judge's Role
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that a credible victim's testimony alone suffices and that a judge who did not hear all witnesses can still validly decide.
Rape Conviction Upheld THE Importance OF Credible Witness Testimony AND Prompt Reporting IN Sexual Assault Cases
Credible Testimony Alone CAN Convict In Rape Cases Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone is sufficient to convict, reinforcing protections for survivors seeking justice.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
Understand how treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a 1993 shooting.
Bouncing Checks and Insufficient Notice: Protecting Individuals From Unjust Convictions
The Supreme Court acquits a check issuer because the prosecution failed to prove receipt of notice of dishonor, a key element under BP 22.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and SEC Jurisdiction Over Listed Banks
Supreme Court clarifies that listed banks must comply with SEC disclosure rules despite BSP supervision, explaining agency jurisdiction and administrative remedies.
Beyond the Warrant: Illegal Possession and the Limits of Search and Seizure
A licensed gun owner's acquittal clarifies what police may lawfully seize during a search and the strict rules on proving illegal firearm possession.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Intact Hymen: The Role of Corroborating Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction even with intact hymen, explaining why full penetration is not required for consummation.
Conspiracy and Murder by Hired Killers: When One Co-Accused's Acquittal Does Not Free Another
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld murder convictions based on conspiracy, positive identification, and circumstantial evidence in a hired killing.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Duty to Protect Children From Abuse Within the Family
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a stepfather who raped his 9-year-old stepdaughter, underscoring the duty to protect children from abuse within the family.
Rape With Deadly Weapon: Victim's Testimony Stands Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction with scythe, holding victim's credible testimony sufficient despite absence of weapon or physical evidence.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Testimony of Child Rape Victims in Philippine Courts
How the Supreme Court affirmed a death sentence for raping a four-year-old, reinforcing rules on child testimony and credibility.
Rape Conviction THE Importance OF Specificity IN Information AND Protection OF Minors
Quasi-Delict and Vehicular Accidents: When Overtaking Leads to Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident quasi-delict case.
Homicide Conviction Reversed: The Importance of Pleading Treachery in Criminal Informations
Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like treachery must be alleged in the Information, or the accused can only be convicted of the lesser crime.
Exhaustion Doctrine Prevails Jurisdiction Cannot BE Circumvented BY Direct Resort TO Courts
Direct court resort without exhausting administrative remedies is fatal, as Gonzales v. Court of Appeals shows.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Obstruction of Justice Cases: The "In Relation to Office" Requirement
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over obstruction of justice cases? The Soller ruling explains the "in relation to office" test.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
How Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, and why conspiracy requires more than mere presence at the crime scene.