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.
Corporate Liability Accountability FOR Unremitted SSS Contributions
Supreme Court affirms conviction of corporate officer for non-remittance of SSS contributions under RA 8282.
Incomplete Self-Defense: When a Knife Is Not a Reasonable Means in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a knife against a belt buckle fails the "reasonable necessity" test for incomplete self-defense in homicide.
Intent to Kill in Philippine Law: How Courts Prove Homicide and Fix Penalties
Philippine courts explain how intent to kill is proven in homicide cases, and when penalty and damages must be corrected on appeal.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Rules in Philippine Homicide Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition, damages, and evidence rules in homicide appeals under Rule 45.
Navigating Factual Disputes: The Supreme Court's Stance on Appellate Review
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may review factual findings and correct arbitrary penalties in homicide convictions.
Acts of Lasciviousness: When a Minor's Testimony Suffices and How RA 7610 Applies
A father's conviction for acts of lasciviousness affirmed—when a child's lone testimony suffices and how RA 7610 sets the penalty.
Rape Through Sexual Assault: Protecting Children Beyond Gender
The Supreme Court affirms that men can be rape victims, ruling on sexual assault against a 10-year-old boy and the applicable penalty.
Intent to Kill: What Separates Frustrated Homicide from Serious Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent to kill distinguishes frustrated homicide from serious physical injuries, with practical guidance on evidence.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent to Rob Must Precede the Killing
The Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide requires intent to rob before the killing; otherwise, only homicide may be proven.
Protecting Child Victims of Sexual Abuse: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A father's conviction for rape and sexual abuse of his 12-year-old daughter affirmed by the Supreme Court, clarifying legal standards.
Beneficial Judgments Extending Leniency to Co-Accused in Criminal Conspiracy
When one co-accused wins a favorable ruling on appeal, the benefit can extend to others—even those who withdrew their appeal. Here's how.
Age Discrepancies in Statutory Rape: Reassessing Penalties Under Special Laws and the Revised Penal Code
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a child victim's age determines whether an offender is charged with statutory rape or sexual abuse under RA 7610.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties for ICT Use in VAWC Cases
Supreme Court clarifies how social media authorship is proven and raises penalties when VAWC crimes use ICT.
False Promises and Financial Ruin: Establishing Estafa Through Deceit in Investment Schemes
The Supreme Court affirms that luring investors with false profit promises constitutes estafa, even when the accused claims ignorance of the scheme.
Estafa by False Pretenses: Proving Fraud Beyond Reasonable Doubt in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts prove estafa by false pretenses, using the Rizza Lao case to explain the elements, burden of proof, and penalties.
When Social Media Abuse Qualifies for Higher Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
From Murder to Homicide When Sudden Attacks Lack Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery and when it does not, reducing murder to homicide.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how public social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when using ICT raises the penalty.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Leads to a Higher Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using Facebook raises the penalty.
Credibility of Witnesses and Inconsistencies Between Affidavits and Court Testimony in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, affidavit-testimony inconsistencies, and penalties for rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Possession of Stolen Cattle and Proof of Guilt in Anti-Cattle Rustling Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how possession of stolen cattle establishes guilt beyond reasonable doubt under the Anti-Cattle Rustling Law.
Habeas Corpus as a Remedy for Excessive Penalties: Understanding Sentence Reclassification in the Philippines
When can habeas corpus challenge an excessive penalty? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of sentence reclassification under R.A. 8353.
Death Penalty Abolition Impact on Penalties for Attempted Crimes in the Philippines
How R.A. 9346 changed penalties for attempted qualified rape—explained through People v. Bon, including the reclusion temporal ruling.
When Self-Defense Fails: Justifying Force in Lawful Duty Requires Reasonable Response
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and performance of official duty justify killing, and why both failed for PNR security officers.