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.
Res Gestae Exception: Admissibility of Spontaneous Statements in Philippine Homicide Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the res gestae exception to admit a victim's spontaneous statement identifying his assailant in a homicide case.
Dying Declarations in Rape-Homicide: Admissibility and the Minor Offender's Penalty
A rape-homicide conviction anchored on the victim's dying declaration, and why the minor accused escaped the death penalty.
Dying Declarations and Juvenile Offenders: Defining Justice in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on a dying declaration but spares a 15-year-old from death.
Flight as Evidence of Guilt in Philippine Criminal Cases: People v. Lobrigas
When does running away or escaping detention prove guilt? The Supreme Court explains the legal weight of flight in criminal cases.
Homicide vs Murder: The Fine Line in Criminal Intent Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, by examining treachery and evident premeditation.
Homicide or Murder: Proving Intent and the Weight of Dying Declarations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how dying declarations identify an assailant.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Ensuring Voluntariness and Competent Counsel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on when extrajudicial confessions are admissible, focusing on voluntariness and the right to competent and independent counsel.
Treachery Defined: Unexpected Assault and Criminal Liability in a Stabbing Incident
The Supreme Court explains treachery as an unexpected, sudden attack that leaves a victim defenseless, affirming a murder conviction.
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.
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.
Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Courts: When Sworn Statements Are Admissible
Sworn statements can be admitted in Philippine courts not to prove their truth, but to show they were made. Learn the hearsay rule's limits.
Confession as Key Evidence in Rape With Homicide Case: People v. Valla
A confession made to barangay officials after finding a victim's body can convict. The Supreme Court explains when extrajudicial admissions are admissible evidence.
Statutory Rape vs Qualified Rape in the Philippines: Why Proper Legal Charges Matter
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between statutory rape and qualified rape, emphasizing the critical importance of proper legal charges.
Credible Witness or Coached Testimony: Why Doubt Can Acquit in Philippine Theft Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a Meralco employee of qualified theft, emphasizing that uncorroborated and improbable witness testimony cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When Silence Breaks: The Power of Witness Testimony in Philippine Murder Cases
A teenager's delayed confession convicts a murderer in the Philippines, proving that credible witness testimony can outweigh inconsistent statements.
Dying Declarations: When Can a Victim's Statement Be Used in Court?
Learn when a dying victim's statement is admissible in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court ruling in People v. Viovicente.
Positive Identification Key to Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How eyewitness identification outweighs alibi in Philippine murder cases, explained through People v. Queliza (G.R. No. 124135).
Revival of Judgment: How Long Can You Wait to Enforce a Court Order in the Philippines
Learn the rules on reviving a dormant judgment in the Philippines, including prescriptive periods and key Supreme Court rulings.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Elements and Implications
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery and why it qualifies murder, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Marollano.
Unintended Consequences: Criminal Liability for Foreseeable Outcomes in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal liability, dying declarations, and witness credibility in murder cases under Philippine law.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Overcoming Doubts and Alibis
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibis and dying declarations, explained through a landmark murder case.
When Can Witness Testimony Lead to Acquittal: A Philippine Case Study
Learn how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, hearsay exceptions, and declarations against penal interest in criminal cases.
Hearsay Exceptions: When Can a Third-Party Confession Clear Your Name?
A third-party confession can be hearsay evidence—but only admissible if the declarant is unavailable and trustworthy. Learn the rules.