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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When Witnesses Can't See: Proving Robbery With Homicide Through Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence can prove robbery with homicide even without eyewitnesses to the killing.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding the Nuances of Intent in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why qualifying circumstances must be proven beyond doubt.
Murder vs Homicide: Why Proving Intent Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder and when it is only homicide, and why the prosecution must prove intent.
Dying Declaration as Key Evidence: Understanding Homicide and Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How a dying declaration can convict, and why missing proof of treachery reduces murder to homicide in Philippine courts.
Self-Defense and Treachery: When Killing Becomes Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack from behind qualifies as treachery, elevating homicide to murder, and why self-defense claims fail.
Unlicensed Firearm Use in Homicide: Navigating Philippine Law After RA 8294
The Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 8294, using an unlicensed firearm in a killing is an aggravating circumstance, not a separate crime.
Intent Is Key: Distinguishing Robbery With Homicide From Separate Crimes in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide requires proof of intent to rob before the killing, not merely taking property afterward.
Homicide vs Murder: Why Proving Qualifying Circumstances Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains why proving treachery and evident premeditation raises a killing from homicide to murder in Philippine law.
Unlicensed Firearm in Homicide: How Philippine Law Treats Illegal Gun Use in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how R.A. 8294 changed the treatment of unlicensed firearms used in murder cases.
Eyewitness Testimony VS Alibi KEY Principles IN Philippine Robbery Homicide Cases
The Power of a Single Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases
How one credible eyewitness can convict in robbery with homicide, explained through a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
When Words Fail and Knives Speak: Self-Defense and Homicide in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails, how accomplices differ from principals, and why a heated argument defeats treachery.
When Is Killing Justifiable Self-Defense in the Philippines? People v. Magaro
The Supreme Court explains when killing is justifiable self-defense and when it is homicide, using People v. Magaro as a guide.
When Self Defense Becomes Homicide: Treachery and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a claim of self-defense fails and why a killing is homicide, not murder, absent treachery.
Self-Defense or Murder: Understanding Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and why a killing may be homicide, not murder, in People v. Solis.
Robbery With Homicide Establishing Intent AND Liability IN Philippine LAW
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on probable cause for falsification of public documents and illegal use of alias under Philippine law.
Eyewitness Identification and Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: People v. Caisip
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, alibi, and treachery in murder cases, explained through People v. Caisip.
When A Back Attack Isnt Always Murder Examining Treachery IN Philippine Criminal LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies that a shot to the back does not automatically mean treachery, explaining when killing is homicide instead of murder.
When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short Understanding Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine Rape Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape-homicide, showing when circumstantial evidence fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Robbery With Homicide Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine LAW 2
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, explaining the elements of the crime and how the prosecution must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Homicide vs. Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing becomes homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim can backfire.
Homicide vs Murder in the Philippines: Distinguishing Intent and Treachery in Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery must be proven conclusively.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Justifying Circumstances and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense and alibi claims, and why both failed in this murder and frustrated homicide case.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Understanding Intent and Its Impact on Criminal Liability
Explore how Philippine courts weigh intent, treachery, and confessions in robbery with homicide cases, as shown in People v. Jerez.