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.
No Intent, No Crime: Illegal Possession of Counterfeit Money in the Philippines
Philippine law requires intent to use for counterfeit money possession to be a crime. Learn the rules from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Inconsistencies in Rape Testimony: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court clarifies when inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony matter and when they do not, acquitting on three counts but convicting on one.
Self-Defense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases: Why Courts Require Clear and Convincing Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims in murder cases, and why credible prosecution evidence can outweigh an accused's uncorroborated testimony.
Chain of Custody in Philippine Drug Cases: Why Proper Evidence Handling Matters
Learn the chain of custody rule in Philippine drug cases and why proper evidence handling is crucial for a conviction.
Circumstantial Evidence in Murder and Kidnapping Convictions: People v. Anticamara
How circumstantial evidence can prove murder and kidnapping beyond reasonable doubt, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains conspiracy in murder cases, when intoxication and evident premeditation apply, and why silence after a crime matters.
Conspiracy and Corruption: How Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law in the Philippi
The Supreme Court clarifies how public officers and private individuals can be held liable for graft under RA 3019, using the landmark Respicio case as a guide.
Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Understanding the Nuances and Penalties
A father's conviction clarifies the line between rape by sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness under Philippine law, and the penalties each crime carries.
Due Diligence in Land Transactions: Why a Faulty Agreement Can Cost You Your Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on attempted estafa underscores the critical need for due diligence in Philippine land transactions.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and contract of sale, and when ownership actually transfers.
Probable Cause in Graft Cases: SC Upholds Ombudsman's Discretion
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in determining probable cause for graft charges under R.A. 3019.
Grave Threats in the Philippines: Criminal Intent and Multiple Offenses Explained
Understand how Philippine courts determine separate grave threats charges, criminal intent, and the limits of justifying circumstances in this Supreme Court case analysis.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Lessons from People v. Uy
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why unexplained flight and possession of stolen goods matter.
Perfecting Appeals: The Critical Role of Timely Docket Fee Payments in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on late appeal filings, docket fees, and the doctrine of reckless imprudence under Philippine law.
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.
Custody Consequences: Understanding Failure to Return a Minor Under Philippine Law
Learn what constitutes the crime of kidnapping and failure to return a minor under Philippine law, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Broken Chains, Broken Cases: Why Chain of Custody Is King in Philippine Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over a broken chain of custody, underscoring the prosecution's burden to prove the drug's identity beyond doubt.
Credible Testimony Prevails Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, ruling medical evidence of penetration is not indispensable.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Understanding Consent and Legal Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and clarifies the applicable law and damages.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: People v. Soriaga
The Supreme Court explains why minor lapses in drug evidence handling do not automatically mean acquittal in People v. Soriaga.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why minor lapses in drug evidence handling don't automatically mean acquittal in buy-bust cases.
Credibility of Sole Testimony in Rape Cases: Protecting Victims and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible sole testimony can sustain a conviction, reinforcing protections for survivors in Philippine courts.
Illegal Sale of Shabu: Credible Testimony and the Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court affirms a shabu conviction, explaining how credible witness testimony and preserved evidence outweigh lapses in the chain of custody.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Under RA 9165
Explaining People v. Presas on the chain of custody rule in drug cases—when lapses in procedure do not automatically break the prosecution's case.