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.
Accidental Shooting Defense in Parricide: Proving Intent Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Explore how Philippine courts rejected an accidental shooting defense in parricide, analyzing circumstantial evidence and criminal intent.
Reckless Imprudence Penalty Corrected in Road Accident Conviction
SC clarifies proper penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries, correcting CA's erroneous penalty imposition.
Upholding Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Presumption of Regularity
Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, explaining chain of custody rules and presumption of regularity in police work under RA 9165.
When a Blessing Becomes an Illegal Marriage Ceremony: The Ronulo Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a priest's blessing of a couple without a marriage license becomes an illegal marriage ceremony under Article 352 of the Revised Penal Code.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process
Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.
Unbroken Chain Upholding Convictions In Drug Cases Through Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, ruling that substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 suffices when evidence integrity is preserved.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that police non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules can defeat drug prosecutions.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Child Witness Credibility and the Hymenal Laceration Myth
The Supreme Court affirms a grandfather's qualified rape conviction, holding that an intact hymen does not negate rape and that a child's credible testimony suffices.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery, qualifying killings as murder under Philippine law.
Circumstantial Evidence and Hearsay Rule: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, hearsay objections, and the credibility of a minor victim's testimony in rape convictions.
Defense of Insanity Requires Clear and Convincing Evidence in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict evidentiary standard for the insanity defense, requiring proof of complete deprivation of intelligence at the time of the crime.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Alleged Testimonial Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not undermine credibility or the prosecution's case.
Deceptive Recruitment Estafa AND THE Promise OF Overseas Employment
When a fake recruiter promises overseas jobs, both illegal recruitment and estafa can apply. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
When a Father's Acts Are Crimes: Rape and Lascivious Conduct Under Philippine Law
A father's conviction for qualified rape and sexual abuse of his minor daughter, explaining the legal distinctions and penalties.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for homicide, and clarifies the rules on incomplete self-defense and voluntary surrender.
Fraternity Violence and Eyewitness Identification: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld convictions for fraternity violence based on positive eyewitness identification despite masks and chaotic circumstances.
Chain of Custody Lapses in Drug Cases: When Acquittal Becomes the Only Option
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody—explaining marking, inventory, and photo requirements under RA 9165.
The Vital Chain Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs, explained through People v. Yable.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Shifting Defenses: The Importance of Victim Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, ruling that credible victim testimony prevails over denial, ill motive claims, and pregnancy timing arguments.
Challenging the Sweetheart Defense: Consensual vs Forced Intimacy in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the "sweetheart defense" fails in rape cases, and how courts weigh consent against force and intimidation.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and when minor deviations do not break the prosecution's case.
Breach of Public Trust: Official Position Cannot Shield Criminal Acts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for graft and estafa, ruling public office cannot shield criminal acts.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Due Process and Judicial Authority
Explore how the Supreme Court balances due process with judicial authority in contempt cases, ensuring fairness and order.