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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Illegal Drug Sale Conviction Requires Consummated Transaction, Says SC
SC affirms drug sale and possession conviction, explaining what makes a buy-bust transaction consummated under RA 9165.
Qualified Theft Conviction Upheld: When Circumstantial Evidence Proves Guilt Beyond Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified theft conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when such evidence suffices to prove guilt.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Primacy of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence and the credible testimony of a 16-year-old victim who was rendered unconscious during the assault.
Betrayal of Trust: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Father-Daughter Rape Case
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for statutory rape of his 9-year-old daughter, clarifying the rules on alibi, denial, and damages.
Credibility of a Rape Survivor's Positive Identification and Corroborating Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how a victim's credible, positive identification and corroborating evidence outweigh defenses of denial and minor inconsistencies.
Moral Ascendancy IN Qualified Rape Upholding Conviction Despite Recanted Testimony
Rape Conviction Valid Based on Testimony of Mute, Mentally Retarded Victim
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on a mute and mentally retarded victim's testimony through sign language, clarifying credibility standards.
Rape Conviction Upheld Minors ACT OF Discernment Overrides Youthful Mitigation
Supreme Court affirms gang rape convictions of minors, ruling discernment negates the mitigating effect of minority under juvenile justice law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Addressing Inconsistencies AND Damage Awards IN Cases OF Sexual Assault
Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Robbery Cases: Ensuring Fair Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms that credible eyewitness testimony prevails over denial and alibi in robbery cases, explaining how courts assess witness credibility.
Accountability in Public Service: The Duty to Ensure Proper Delivery of Government Resources
Supreme Court affirms conviction of a city official for ghost delivery of equipment under Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Kidnapping Conviction Upheld: Minor Witness Inconsistencies Do Not Automatically Exonerate Accused
Philippine Supreme Court rules minor inconsistencies in witness statements do not automatically exonerate an accused in kidnapping for ransom cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Minor Gaps Won't Overturn a Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when minor inconsistencies in drug evidence handling won't break the chain of custody and overturn a conviction.
Incestuous Rape: The Unwavering Credibility of the Victim and the Inadmissibility of Weak Defenses
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for five counts of incestuous rape, underscoring the weight given to a victim's credible testimony over denial and alibi.
Incestuous Rape: The Overriding Weight of the Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for five counts of incestuous rape, underscoring that a credible victim's testimony prevails over denial and alibi.
Upholding Justice for Child Victims: Parental Authority and the Crime of Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for qualified rape of his minor daughter, clarifying evidentiary rules and penalties.
Judicial Ethics: Conviction of Moral Turpitude Leads to Dismissal and Disbarment
A judge's conviction for malversation and graft leads to dismissal from the bench and disbarment, even while criminal appeals are pending.
Slight Penetration Enough for Statutory Rape Conviction, SC Rules
SC clarifies that slight penetration suffices for statutory rape; erroneous citation of law in information does not invalidate charge.
Child Witness Testimony and Competency in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on a four-year-old child's testimony, clarifying competency and hearsay rules.
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: Defining the Limits of Eligibility
A libel conviction bars a candidate from office for five years. The Supreme Court explains why in Ty-Delgado v. HRET.
Treachery in Murder Cases: Intent, Witness Credibility, and the Weight of Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction for a shooting qualified by treachery, clarifying witness credibility and the defense of alibi.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court explains why strict chain of custody rules matter in drug cases, and how lapses can affect convictions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for Conviction
How the Supreme Court applied the chain of custody rule in People v. Miranda y Beltran to uphold a drug conviction.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Fixing in Homicide: Ladines v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition rules and damages in homicide, affirming conviction based on circumstantial evidence.