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.
Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder: Lessons from People v. Sumibcay
The Supreme Court explains how treachery, not conspiracy or abuse of superior strength, qualified killing to murder in People v. Sumibcay.
Forcible Abduction: Consent, Lewd Designs, and the Limits of the Sweetheart Defense
The Supreme Court clarifies forcible abduction under Article 342, when consent matters, and why failed rape evidence still proves lewd designs.
When Sexual Assault Is Acts of Lasciviousness, Not Attempted Rape: Perez v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness in a case with no eyewitnesses.
Acts of Lasciviousness vs Attempted Rape: The Penetration Requirement
When do sexual acts become attempted rape rather than acts of lasciviousness? The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial role of penetration.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise and Defenseless Victims
Understand treachery in Philippine criminal law through People v. Zeta, where the Supreme Court explains why surprise at the inception of attack matters.
Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Circumstance: When Murder Is Reduced to Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when voluntary surrender mitigates a killing and why a heated argument negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
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.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Unforeseen Attacks
When can treachery qualify a killing as murder? The Supreme Court explains the strict proof required for this aggravating circumstance.
Drugs, Murder, and Afterthoughts: Clarifying the Boundaries Between Robbery with Homicide and Multiple Offense
When theft is an afterthought to murder, the crime is not robbery with homicide. This case clarifies the distinction.
Upholding Estafa Conviction: The Supreme Court Reinforces Finality of Factual Findings in Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court affirmed an estafa conviction and reiterated that factual findings of lower courts are binding.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in plunder cases, and why each accused is liable only for acts they committed.
Speedy Trial Rights: Motion for Reinvestigation and Waiver of Timeliness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether filing a motion for reinvestigation waives the right to claim speedy disposition of cases.
Religious Ties and Criminal Liability: When Alibi Fails in Murder Cases
Examining conspiracy and accountability in murder, and why alibi and lack of motive cannot overcome positive eyewitness identification.
Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Factor: Reassessing Criminal Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains when voluntary surrender mitigates criminal liability and why treachery must be proven, not presumed.
Intent vs Accident: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder and the Role of Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when accidental shooting claims fail, how intent to kill is proven, and why treachery must be established beyond doubt.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Sets Rules on Social Media Evidence
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove authorship of abusive Facebook posts and raises penalties when ICT is used in VAWC cases.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Elements and Legal Implications
Understand treachery (alevosia) as a qualifying circumstance in murder under Philippine law, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Medios
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how credible eyewitness testimony, conspiracy, and treachery establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Publicity vs Fair Trial: Reassessing Damages in Heinous Crime Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies that pervasive media coverage does not automatically deny an accused a fair trial, and adjusts excessive damage awards.
Reasonable Doubt and Circumstantial Evidence: When Suspicion Cannot Sustain a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits five police officers of double murder, explaining when circumstantial evidence fails the test of moral certainty.
Diminished Liability When Lack of Treachery Reduces Murder to Homicide
When does a killing become homicide instead of murder? The Supreme Court explains how the absence of treachery lowers the crime and its penalty.
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.
Mayoral Prerogative vs Police Professionalism: Understanding the Limits of Local Executive Power in Police App
A look at how the Supreme Court balances a mayor's appointment power with the need for police professionalism and legal limits.