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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From Murder to Homicide: Understanding the Absence of Treachery in Philippine Law
When treachery is not proven, a killing is homicide, not murder. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Erroneous Identification Leads to Acquittal Safeguarding Due Process in Criminal Proceedings
The Supreme Court acquits a murder convict when a suggestive police showup and unreliable eyewitness identification violate due process.
Conspiracy and Treachery: How the Supreme Court Weighed Guilt in the Murder of Juliano Mampo
In People v. Berdin, the Supreme Court explains how conspiracy and treachery are proved in a killing, and why the penalty was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails, how conspiracy is proven, and why treachery qualifies murder under Philippine law.
Mitigating Circumstances and Juvenile Justice in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court balanced mercy and accountability for a minor convicted of murder, crediting minority and a guilty plea to reduce the penalty.
Eyewitness Reliability AND Circumstantial Evidence IN Philippine Murder Cases
When a Fistfight Turns Fatal: Understanding Homicide vs Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing becomes murder through treachery, and why self-defense claims must prove unlawful aggression.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: When a Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack is self-defense, and why failure to prove treachery reduces murder to homicide.
Treachery and Self-Defense: When a Claim of Defense Fails in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder, with practical guidance.
Murder Conviction Upheld: Self-Defense Claim Fails in Killing of Elderly Father-in-Law
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction and death penalty for man who hacked his 85-year-old father-in-law, rejecting self-defense claim.
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.
Accomplice Liability in Murder: When Presence Is Not Enough
Philippine law requires proof of concerted action for accomplice liability in murder. Learn from the Gialolo case.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Conspiracy and Eyewitness Testimony in People v. Pelopero
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on eyewitness testimony, delayed reporting, and circumstantial evidence of conspiracy.
Witness Credibility and Delayed Reporting in Philippine Criminal Law: People v. Jamon
Learn how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and abuse of superior strength in murder cases, as shown in People v. Jamon.
Abuse of Superior Strength: When a Deadly Weapon Turns Homicide Into Murder
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how using a gun against an unarmed victim qualifies killing as murder through abuse of superior strength.
Treachery in Philippine Law: When a Sudden Attack Becomes Murder
The Supreme Court explains how a sudden, unexpected attack from behind constitutes treachery, qualifying a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Treachery in Stone Throwing: When a Sudden Attack Qualifies as Murder
A single stone thrown from behind turned a killing into murder. Learn how the Supreme Court defined treachery in People v. Duban.
From Murder to Homicide: When Qualifying Circumstances Fail in Conspiracy Cases
Supreme Court explains when conspiracy stands but treachery and abuse of superior strength fail, reducing murder to homicide.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Murder Cases Under Philippine Law
When does a sudden attack qualify as treachery in Philippine murder cases? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Pedrigal.
Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law: People v. Buenavidez
The Supreme Court explains when eyewitness testimony prevails over alibi, and how treachery is proven in murder cases.
Self-Defense and Homicide: The Boundaries of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and why a killing without treachery is homicide, not murder.
Superior Strength in Murder: Philippine Jurisprudence on Armed Assaults
When is a killing murder by abuse of superior strength? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Rollon.
Treachery and Witness Testimony Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt in the Philippines
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, and alibi in rape-with-homicide cases, and why conviction requires proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Treachery and the Passage of Time: Examining the Boundaries of Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a brief pause between an argument and a fatal shooting does not negate treachery, affirming a murder conviction.