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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Diminished Liability When Forewarning Reduces Murder TO Homicide
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a victim forewarned of danger negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: A Guide from a 2019 Supreme Court Ruling
When direct evidence is absent, circumstantial evidence can convict in rape with homicide. Learn the rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
From Murder TO Homicide THE Crucial Role OF Treachery IN Criminal Liability
Robbery with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secures a Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Mancao on robbery with homicide, circumstantial evidence, and the presumption of guilt from possession of stolen property.
Theft AND Murder Intertwined Establishing Robbery With Homicide Through Circumstantial Evidence
Conspiracy and Intent in Robbery with Homicide: Liability and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, intent to rob, and due process in robbery with homicide convictions.
Treachery IN Homicide Absence OF Deliberate Intent AND THE Importance OF Provocation
From Murder to Homicide: The Crucial Role of Treachery in Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder or homicide, focusing on treachery and its elements.
Treachery in Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Does Not Qualify as Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks after heated altercations may not constitute treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Treachery and Conspiracy Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
When treachery is not proven by clear evidence, a murder conviction may be reduced to homicide. This case explains why.
Treachery Unproven: Conviction Reduced from Murder to Homicide for Lack of Clear Evidence
Supreme Court reduces murder conviction to homicide when treachery is not proven by clear and convincing evidence, explaining the required standard.
From Murder to Homicide: Proving Treachery and Superior Strength in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and abuse of superior strength qualify killing as murder, and when they don't.
Accountability for Accomplices: Conspiracy in Carnapping with Homicide
How the Supreme Court held four accused liable for carnapping with homicide through conspiracy, and what this means for accomplice liability.
Conviction for Carnapping with Homicide Upheld Despite Eyewitness Identification Issues
Supreme Court affirms carnapping with homicide convictions, explaining how credible eyewitness testimony and possession of stolen vehicle outweigh alibi defenses.
Arson and Homicide: How the Primary Motive Determines Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a fire is absorbed by arson or punished separately, based on the offender's main objective.
Treachery Unveiled: Distinguishing Murder From Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when sudden attacks qualify as treachery, distinguishing murder from homicide in People v. Gayon.
Navigating THE Boundaries OF Treachery Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Sudden Attacks
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Elevate Homicide to Murder
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using a 2019 stabbing case to illustrate sudden, unexpected attacks.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
When a Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Treachery Must Exist at the Attack's Inception
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery must exist from the very start of the attack.
Treachery's Shadow: Redefining Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder instead of homicide? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of treachery in bail hearings and criminal liability.
Treachery and Intent: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery requires deliberate method, not mere suddenness, distinguishing homicide from murder for bail purposes.
Self-Defense and the Degree of Criminal Liability: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why self-defense must be proven by clear and convincing evidence.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Individual Liberty In Rape With Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two men of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.