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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Treachery and Witness Credibility: When Conspiracy Fails in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder, and the importance of witness credibility.
Due Process in Custodial Investigation: When Lack of Counsel Does Not Void a Conviction
A conviction based on eyewitness testimony stands even if custodial rights were violated, as no confession was obtained.
Positive Identification and the Limits of Conspiracy in Criminal Convictions
A look at how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi and what proof conspiracy truly requires.
Conspiracy and Positive Identification in Robbery with Homicide Cases
The Court upholds robbery-with-homicide convictions built on conspiracy and eyewitness identification, but clarifies that a paltik gun does not prove illegal possession.
Witness Credibility and Positive Identification in Murder Cases: The Cachola Case
Learn how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, positive identification, and alibi defenses in murder cases through the Cachola ruling.
Reasonable Doubt and Inconsistent Testimony: Acquittal in People v. Lavapie
The Supreme Court acquitted two murder accused after finding material inconsistencies between witness testimony and physical evidence, reaffirming the reasonable doubt standard.
Beyond Words: Establishing Rape Through Credible Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how credible witness testimony and circumstantial evidence can establish rape convictions.
Protecting the Vulnerable: A Child's Testimony Can Be Enough for Rape Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a child victim's credible testimony, clarifying evidentiary rules for vulnerable witnesses.
Positive Identification and Treachery: The Murder Conviction of Arnel Mataro and Nick Perucho
How eyewitness identification and treachery secured murder convictions, and how damages were computed on appeal.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Inconsistent Witness Testimony Leads to Acquittal
Inconsistent eyewitness testimony on familiarity and poor lighting created reasonable doubt, leading the Supreme Court to acquit a murder accused.
Witness Credibility AND THE Defense OF Alibi IN Murder Cases
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Convicting Based on Single Eyewitness Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a single eyewitness account suffices for conviction and why alibi fails without physical impossibility.
Eyewitness Credibility and Circumstantial Evidence in Murder Convictions
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence to convict in murder cases, explained through People v. Capitle.
Conspiracy and Positive Identification in Murder: People v. Baltazar
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how positive eyewitness identification outweighs alibi, paraffin test results, and claims of witness bias.
Silence Isn't Always Acquiescence: Delayed Witness Testimony in Murder Cases
When a witness stays silent for years, does that weaken a murder conviction? The Supreme Court explains when delay is excusable.
Positive Identification Prevails Affirming Guilt Despite Conflicting Initial Reports
Supreme Court affirms homicide conviction, ruling positive eyewitness identification outweighs conflicting names in victim's dying declaration.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Witness Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible witness testimony and circumstantial evidence, explaining rules on unconscious victims and alibi.
Unwavering Testimony: How Philippine Courts Uphold Victim Credibility in Rape Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess witness credibility in criminal cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Navarro as a guide.
Justice Sees Through The Night: Eyewitness Testimony And Treachery In Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on a single eyewitness's credible night-time identification, explaining treachery and unlicensed firearm rules.
Eyewitness Testimony AND Alibi Defense Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Criminal Cases
Circumstantial Evidence and Treachery in Murder Convictions Without Direct Witnesses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conviction for murder based on eyewitness identification, treachery, and the weakness of alibi defense.
Conspiracy and Liability in Philippine Murder Cases: The Uriarte Doctrine
A look at how Philippine courts handle conspiracy, witness credibility, and conflicting medical evidence in homicide cases.
Self Defense and Credibility: Redefining Homicide Conviction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains Philippine rules on self-defense, defense of a relative, and witness credibility in affirming a homicide conviction.
Child Witness Credibility in Kidnapping Cases: People v. Rama
How Philippine courts assess the credibility of very young child witnesses in kidnapping cases, explained through People v. Rama.