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.
Statutory Rape Conviction Modified to Simple Rape When Victim's Age Not Proven Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof required for statutory rape, modifying conviction to simple rape when victim's age wasn't established beyond reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits drug offenders where police breached chain of custody rules, underscoring the need to preserve evidence integrity.
Protecting Childhood Statutory Rape AND THE Irrelevance OF Consent
The Supreme Court affirms that in statutory rape, consent is irrelevant; mere touching of the labia by the penis constitutes carnal knowledge.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Probable Cause and Graft Liability When a Governor's Request Shapes Public Bidding
Supreme Court ruling on graft liability of DPWH-ARMM officials for irregularities in infrastructure projects, including premature contractor mobilization.
Reassessing Criminal Liability From Murder to Homicide Based on Evidence of Intent and Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is murder or homicide, requiring proof of treachery and intent beyond reasonable doubt.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries of Drug Law Enforcement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, upholding a buy-bust conviction under RA 9165.
Challenging Drug Convictions: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how broken chain of custody and flawed inventory can lead to acquittal in drug possession cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Aider and Abettor Establishing Criminal Liability in Rape Cases Through Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a person who aids a rape by holding the victim's legs is equally guilty through conspiracy.
Reasonable Doubt When Police Testimony Fails in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police conduct an invalid warrantless arrest and break chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to justify non-compliance with Section 21's chain of custody rule.
Treachery Unveiled: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court clarifies when sudden attacks amount to treachery, distinguishing murder from homicide in People v. Abina.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: The Three-Witness Rule and Chain of Custody
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing witnesses—explaining Section 21, RA 9165 requirements.
How Philippine Courts Assess Credibility and Consent in Rape Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court evaluates witness credibility, consent, and damages in rape convictions, using People v. Bugna.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Rape in Familial Abuse Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a father's rape of a minor daughter constitutes qualified rape, carrying the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
Defense of Relatives and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when defense of relatives justifies a killing and why unlawful aggression is its indispensable requirement.
Accountability Prevails: Principals Liable for Homicide During Robbery Regardless of Direct Participation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that all participants in a robbery are liable for robbery with homicide even if they did not personally kill.
Possession Is Prima Facie Evidence: Understanding Fencing Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how mere possession of stolen goods can convict a person of fencing under PD 1612, and clarifies the proper penalty.
When Death Extinguishes Criminal Liability: The Antido Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability Ex Delicto
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
Drug Use Conviction Requires Arrest Protecting Rights Under R A 9165
The Supreme Court rules that a conviction for drug use under Section 15, R.A. 9165 requires an arrest or apprehension, safeguarding constitutional rights.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony alone, even without medical or physical evidence of penetration.