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.
Illegal Recruitment Acquittal: Why Promises by Relatives Do Not Convict a Recruiter
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person may be acquitted of illegal recruitment and estafa, and the proof required for conviction.
Cyber Libel Prescription in the Philippines: One-Year Rule and the Limits of Unsigned Resolutions
The Supreme Court clarifies that cyber libel prescribes in one year and that unsigned resolutions are not binding precedent.
Drugs, Murder, and Afterthoughts: Clarifying the Boundaries Between Robbery with Homicide and Multiple Offense
When theft is an afterthought to murder, the crime is not robbery with homicide. This case clarifies the distinction.
Statutory Rape: Why Proving Familial Relationship Matters in Aggravated Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows that in statutory rape, the qualifying circumstance of relationship must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely alleged.
Conspiracy in Kidnapping for Ransom: Joint Criminal Intent Established by Concerted Acts
Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in kidnapping for ransom can be proven through complementary acts, not direct evidence of agreement.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Alone Can Uphold Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, and why death penalty requires minority alleged in information.
Custodial Trust AND Betrayal Examining THE Deliberate Failure TO Return A Minor
A babysitter's brief custody of a newborn becomes a kidnapping conviction under Article 270, explaining deliberate failure to return.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Intent and Participation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, intent, and participation in homicide—what the Manlansing case teaches about criminal liability.
Judicial Accountability: The Imperative of Timely Decision Making in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within reglementary periods. This article examines a Supreme Court ruling on undue delay and its consequences.
Statutory Rape Penetration IS Required FOR Consummation Attempted Rape Defined
The Supreme Court clarifies that penetration, not mere touching, is required for consummated statutory rape, explaining attempted rape rules.
Treachery in Concerted Attacks: When Accomplices Share the Blame Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and conspiracy work together in murder cases, and why accomplices share equal blame.
Conviction Upheld on Circumstantial Evidence Despite Accused's Escape in Rape-Homicide Case
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape-homicide based on circumstantial evidence, ruling escape waives right to appeal.
Eyewitness Testimony and Criminal Conviction: Credibility Rules in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony in criminal cases, explained through the 2002 Jakosalem murder decision.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Forcible Abduction Case
Supreme Court affirms rape and forcible abduction conviction, ruling positive identification outweighs alibi and denial in criminal cases.
Treachery in Crimes Against Children: Ensuring Justice for Vulnerable Victims
The Supreme Court affirms murder conviction of a man who beat a two-year-old to death, clarifying treachery, mitigating circumstances, and penalties.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in plunder cases, and why each accused is liable only for acts they committed.
Uncertain Testimony in Rape Cases: Safeguarding Justice and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies that an imprecise date in a rape information does not void it, but failure to allege the victim's age bars the death penalty.
Rape and Resistance: Why Full Penetration and Hymen Rupture Are Not Required in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape is consummated by mere penile entry into the labia, not full penetration or hymen rupture.
Sole Eyewitness Testimony Can Convict: Lessons from People v. Hermo on Murder and Abuse of Superior Strength
How a lone eyewitness's credible account led to a murder conviction, and why Philippine courts trust trial judges on witness credibility.
From Murder to Mayhem: Gauging Intent and Injury in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deadly attack becomes only slight physical injuries, not frustrated murder, based on wound severity and medical treatment.
Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
How a credible eyewitness account outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine murder convictions, per People v. Ticalo.
Incestuous Rape: Credibility and Delayed Reporting in Family Abuse Cases
A father's conviction for raping his daughter shows how courts weigh credibility, delayed reporting, and threats in incest cases.
Entrapment vs Instigation: When Does a Drug Buy-Bust Operation Cross the Line?
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations, using a 2002 shabu case.
Clerk of Court Fined for Delayed Fund Remittance Despite Full Restitution
Supreme Court holds clerk of court administratively liable for delayed remittance of judiciary funds, imposing fine despite full restitution after retirement.