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.
Lone Witness Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts assess a lone witness's credibility in criminal cases, and why positive identification defeats alibi.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Identification and Consent in Sexual Assault Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying voice and sight identification, consent, and damages in sexual assault cases.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Timeliness and Impartiality in Court Decisions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's duty to decide cases promptly and avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape cases: positive identification by victims outweighs denial and alibi defenses.
GSIS Foreclosure Redemption: Balancing Member Needs and Fund Solvency
Supreme Court ruling on GSIS foreclosure redemption rights, explaining when members can repurchase foreclosed property and the limits of that right.
Publicity vs Fair Trial: Reassessing Damages in Heinous Crime Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies that pervasive media coverage does not automatically deny an accused a fair trial, and adjusts excessive damage awards.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Credibility of Witnesses and Impact of Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, holding that minor inconsistencies in witness testimony do not undermine credibility.
Dying Declarations and Circumstantial Evidence Proving Homicide Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When a dying victim names her assailant, that statement can convict—but only if the prosecution proves every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape and Robbery Conviction: Victim Testimony and Penalties for Heinous Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape and robbery with rape, victim testimony credibility, alibi defense, and penalties under RA 7659.
Buy-Bust Operations: Admissibility of Evidence and Validity of Warrantless Arrests in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that buy-bust operations need no marked money or prior surveillance; warrantless arrests in flagrante delicto are valid.
When Eyewitness Testimony Outweighs Alibi in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi and denial in homicide prosecutions.
Self-Defense vs. Murder: Proving Treachery and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains self-defense, treachery, and criminal liability in homicide cases. Learn the legal requisites and evidentiary standards.
Illegal Possession of Firearms: Essential Elements and Double Jeopardy Explained
Understand the essential elements of illegal possession of firearms under PD 1866, as amended by RA 8294, and when double jeopardy applies.
Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Robbery With Homicide: The Marquez Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when robbery with homicide is proven beyond reasonable doubt, and when illegal possession of firearm charges fail.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, ruling that credible eyewitness identification outweighs the inherently weak defense of alibi.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Defense of Frame-Up: Lessons from People v. Ganenas
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction from a buy-bust operation, explaining why frame-up defenses fail and how courts weigh police testimony.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up: Weighing Evidence in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains how courts distinguish legitimate entrapment from frame-up in drug cases, and why positive identification prevails over denial.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Attorneys' Rights to Advocate
A look at Frani v. Pagayatan on when a judge's loss of composure in court crosses the line, and when it does not.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 violations explains when fines replace imprisonment and clarifies due process rights in bouncing checks cases.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, flight, and denial in People v. Corre Jr.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Standard of Proof in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against denial in robbery with homicide, and what it means for the burden of proof.
Rape Conviction Modified: When Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Alleged
The Supreme Court modifies a rape conviction, acquitting the accused on three counts for insufficient evidence and ruling on the necessity of alleging qualifying circumstances.
Mental Capacity and Rape in Philippine Law: The Hamto Case
How Philippine courts treat mentally retarded rape victims' testimony, and why mental age matters in proving rape.
Treachery Defined: Justice for Victims Attacked While Defenseless
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, ruling that attacking a sleeping victim qualifies, ensuring justice for defenseless victims.