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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Conspiracy and Intent: Establishing Guilt in Multiple Stabbing Incidents
A Supreme Court ruling explains how implied conspiracy and intent to kill establish guilt in a coordinated multiple-stabbing attack.
Conspiracy and Intent: When Multiple Assaults Do Not Prove Discernment in Minors
The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to kill and conspiracy do not automatically prove a minor's discernment, requiring separate proof for criminal liability.
Falsification of Public Documents: Intent to Injure Not Required for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intent to injure is not an element of falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code.
Arbitration Clauses and Contract Expiry: The Dupasquier Ruling on Separability
When a contract lapses, does its arbitration clause survive? The Supreme Court explains party intent and the limits of the separability doctrine.
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
Distinguishing Child Abuse From Physical Injuries: Intent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every injury to a minor is child abuse; specific intent to debase or demean must be proven.
Marijuana Possession Proving Intent Despite Procedural Lapses In Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms marijuana possession conviction despite buy-bust procedural lapses, citing accused's admission and preserved evidence integrity.
Contractual Intent Signatures Fine Print AND Dispute Resolution IN Commercial Agreements
Court rules on venue and arbitration clauses in commercial contracts, emphasizing the importance of clear contractual intent and valid signatures.
Reasonable Doubt in Qualified Theft: When Missing Proof Means Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted an accounting-in-charge of qualified theft when the prosecution failed to prove taking and intent.
Child Abuse Intent Not Always Required Under Special Protection Laws
Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase a child is not always required for conviction under RA 7610's child abuse provisions.
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.
Unlawful Restraint Establishing Intent in Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention
The Supreme Court explains how acts of clubbing, sacking, and carrying a victim establish the intent to deprive liberty under Article 267.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Slight Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a harmful act is attempted murder or only slight physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill.
How Courts Read Ballots: Voter Intent in Philippine Barangay Elections
A one-vote barangay election dispute shows how Philippine courts apply the idem sonans, neighborhood, and written-by-two rules to honor voter intent.
Insurance Rescission: Proving Fraudulent Intent in False Representations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers may rescind policies for false representations versus concealment, requiring clear proof of fraudulent intent.
Piece-Rate Workers Are Regular Employees Entitled to Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that piece-rate payment does not negate regular employment, and abandonment requires proof of intent.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Intent and Deprivation of Liberty Explained
The Supreme Court explains what constitutes kidnapping for ransom, including the intent to extort and how deprivation of liberty is proven.
Treachery and Murder: Proving Deliberate Intent in Philippine Criminal Law
A look at how Philippine courts distinguish murder from homicide, and why proving deliberate intent matters.
The High Cost of Homicide: Establishing Liability in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts convict in robbery with homicide, from proving intent to the price of damages.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
Good Faith Belief in Ownership Defeats Qualified Theft Charge
Supreme Court acquits spouses of qualified theft, ruling that honest belief in ownership negates intent to steal.
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.
Distinguishing Robbery With Homicide From Homicide: Intent AS The Decisive Factor
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing during an alleged theft is homicide, not robbery with homicide, requiring proof of robbery as the main purpose.