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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Discernment of Minors in Philippine Criminal Law: Juvenile Responsibility Explained
A 12-year-old's rape conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, clarifying when minors act with discernment under Philippine law.
Homicide or Reckless Imprudence: Intent Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal act is homicide versus reckless imprudence, focusing on criminal intent.
When Presence Is Not Enough: Understanding Accomplice Liability in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence or even physical restraint does not make one an accomplice absent community of criminal design.
Reckless Imprudence and Vehicular Accidents: Proximate Cause in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court determines proximate cause in reckless imprudence vehicular accident cases, explained through Gabriel v. Court of Appeals.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Flight in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence and flight can establish criminal liability, explained in plain language.
Treachery IN Criminal LAW Specificity OF Allegations AND THE Rights OF THE Accused
Treachery IN Philippine Criminal LAW Unforeseen Attacks AND Victims Rights
Kidnapping FOR Ransom Affirming THE Importance OF Child Witness Testimony AND Conspiracy IN Criminal LAW
Guardians at the Gate: Examining Self-Defense and Accountability in Philippine Homicide Cases
A security guard's fatal shooting raises key questions on self-defense, treachery, and firearm confiscation in Philippine criminal law.
Treachery Defined: Unexpected Attacks and the Element of Surprise in Philippine Criminal Law
Understanding how treachery (alevosia) is established in Philippine criminal law through sudden, unexpected attacks that ensure the victim cannot defend themselves.
Eyewitness Testimony and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: People v. Magdaraog
How a lone eyewitness's credible testimony and proof of conspiracy can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
Dying Declarations AS Evidence Establishing Guilt IN Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when dying declarations can establish guilt in murder cases, and the strict standards for insanity defenses in Philippine criminal law.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Se
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery does not qualify a killing, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
From Murder to Homicide: The Crucial Role of Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder or homicide, focusing on the essential elements of treachery.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Calculated Attacks
Understanding treachery under Philippine criminal law—what it means, how courts determine it, and why it matters for victims of calculated attacks.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Valid Drug Sale Convictions Through Proper Evidence and Procedure
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, clarifying what evidence and procedure make buy-bust operations valid in Philippine criminal law.
Treachery and Self-Defense: When a Claim of Defense Fails in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder, with practical guidance.
Witness Credibility and Delayed Reporting in Philippine Criminal Law: People v. Jamon
Learn how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and abuse of superior strength in murder cases, as shown in People v. Jamon.
The Fine Line Between Self-Defense and Homicide: Establishing Intent in Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a claim of accident or self-defense fails, and how courts determine criminal intent in homicide cases.
Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law: People v. Buenavidez
The Supreme Court explains when eyewitness testimony prevails over alibi, and how treachery is proven in murder cases.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Justifiable Homicide and the Burden of Proof
Explore the requisites of self-defense in Philippine criminal law and how the burden of proof shifts to the accused, as illustrated in a landmark Supreme Court acquittal.
Accountability FOR Accomplices Scope OF Conspiracy IN Philippine Criminal LAW
Positive Identification and the Defense of Alibi: Evaluating Witness Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused, stressing that knowledge and animus possidendi must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Incestuous Rape: Broad Complaint Dates and Victim Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court affirms an incestuous rape conviction, ruling that inexact complaint dates are allowed and a young victim's credible testimony suffices.