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.
Unlawful Aggression Is Key to Self-Defense Claims in Philippine Law
Understand why unlawful aggression is the foundation of self-defense in Philippine criminal law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Pillbox Possession in the Philippines: Understanding Illegal Explosives and the Law
The Supreme Court explains what makes a — a homemade explosive device. The case is a practical guide for understanding how courts evaluate explosive devices, the importance of chain of custody in crim
Voluntary Confessions and Custodial Rights: Lessons from People v. Bacor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an extrajudicial confession is admissible, the role of counsel, and what makes a valid waiver of rights.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Investment Schemes
Learn how the Supreme Court treats investment scams involving bouncing checks, deceit, and estafa under Philippine law.
Complex Crime vs Separate Offenses: When Multiple Murders Are Not a Single Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when multiple killings form one complex crime or separate offenses, and the effect on penalties.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Unlicensed Firearm Use in Homicide: Navigating Philippine Law After RA 8294
The Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 8294, using an unlicensed firearm in a killing is an aggravating circumstance, not a separate crime.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What People v. Larin Teaches About Child Protection
Understand lascivious conduct under RA 7610 through People v. Larin, and how Philippine law protects children from sexual abuse.
When Self Defense Becomes Homicide: Treachery and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a claim of self-defense fails and why a killing is homicide, not murder, absent treachery.
When A Back Attack Isnt Always Murder Examining Treachery IN Philippine Criminal LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies that a shot to the back does not automatically mean treachery, explaining when killing is homicide instead of murder.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Homicide vs. Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing becomes homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim can backfire.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when public social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal firearm possession cases, from warrantless searches to penalties under RA 8294.
Homicide vs Murder: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Understand the legal distinction between homicide and murder in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on treachery and evident premeditation.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Judges Overstep Their Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's sentencing errors become gross ignorance of the law warranting administrative sanctions.
Self-Defense and Voluntary Surrender: Key Lessons from a Philippine Murder Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when self-defense fails and voluntary surrender mitigates murder liability. Learn the rules.
Withdrawing A Guilty Plea: Navigating the Consequences in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn when a guilty plea can be withdrawn in Philippine courts, its mitigating effects, and how aggravating circumstances must still be proven.
Passion Provocation and Criminal Liability: Understanding Homicide in the Philippines
When does anger mitigate a killing? The Supreme Court explains passion or obfuscation, treachery, and homicide in People v. Valles.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in the Philippines: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle illegal recruitment and estafa, and what job seekers must know to avoid scams.
Treachery in Philippine Law: How a Deceptive Attack Elevates Homicide to Murder
Learn how treachery turns homicide into murder under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Fabrigas.
Homicide vs Murder: Intent and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims against treachery in murder cases, using the Lapura ruling.
When Self-Defense Fails: Proving Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why bare claims of self-defense fail without credible witnesses, and when treachery and evident premeditation do not qualify a killing.
Understanding Intent in Murder Cases: When Can a Killing Be Reduced to a Lesser Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on intent, treachery, and penalty computation in murder cases under the Revised Penal Code.