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.
Minor Inconsistencies and Witness Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts treat minor inconsistencies in rape victim testimony, and why small discrepancies can strengthen rather than destroy credibility.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Minor Inconsistencies in a Child Victim's Testimony Do Not Destroy Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a triple rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in a young victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
Superior Strength in Murder: How Conspiracy Establishes Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy and superior strength qualify a killing as murder, with practical legal takeaways.
COMELEC's Power to Prosecute Election Offenses: Independent Authority Affirmed
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's exclusive authority to prosecute election offenses, ruling that deputized prosecutors cannot override its decisions.
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.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Assessment of Justice Secretary's Resolutions in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trial courts' duty to independently assess Justice Secretary's resolutions in withdrawal of criminal informations.
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.
The Power of Circumstantial Evidence in Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When no eyewitness exists, circumstantial evidence can still convict. Learn the rules from People v. Salvame and how courts apply them.
Multiple Homicides vs Complex Crime: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Criminal Law
When a single shooting spree kills four and wounds two, is it one complex crime or several separate crimes? The Supreme Court explains the distinction.
Complex Crimes: When One Act Causes Multiple Fatalities Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how a single act causing multiple deaths is treated as a complex crime under the Revised Penal Code.
Ombudsman's Power to Prosecute: Understanding Its Limits and Scope in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute public officials under R.A. 6770, clarifying constitutional limits.
Amending Criminal Informations: When a Homicide Charge Can Be Upgraded to Murder
The Supreme Court explains when prosecutors may amend an information to upgrade homicide to murder after the accused has already pleaded not guilty.
Fencing in the Philippines: Knowledge and Presumptions Under the Anti-Fencing Law
Explaining the elements of fencing under P.D. 1612, the presumption of knowledge from possession, and how receipts can rebut it.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Evident Premeditation: Proving Intent and Cool Thought in Philippine Criminal Law
Understand how Philippine courts prove evident premeditation to qualify a killing as murder, and why treachery was rejected in People v. Belga.
Probable Cause in the Philippines: What You Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts define probable cause, why it matters in criminal cases, and what the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling means for you.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: When Is It Enough for Conviction
When does a witness's positive identification suffice for conviction? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Compendio.
Probable Cause and Issuance of Arrest Warrants: The Roberts Case Explained
When must a judge examine records before issuing warrants? The Roberts case clarifies probable cause and arrest warrant rules.
Proving Treachery in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Ocsimar
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery must be proven as clearly as the crime itself, and a stab from behind does not automatically qualify as murder.