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.
Parental Authority vs Child's Rights: Rape by a Father and the Limits of Criminal Allegations
Father convicted of raping his 14-year-old daughter twice; Supreme Court affirms guilt but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua for procedural defects in the information.
Victim Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Ensuring Justice for Minors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that a minor victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a rape conviction, ensuring justice.
When a Final Conviction Can Be Corrected: Habeas Corpus and Illegal Penalties
A habeas corpus petition fails because a conviction was final, but the Court corrects an impossible penalty imposed by the trial court.
Incestuous Rape: Proving Minority Beyond Reasonable Doubt for Capital Punishment
The Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's minority must be proven beyond reasonable doubt before the death penalty can be imposed.
Correcting Penalties in Drug Cases: Fair Application of Republic Act No. 7659
When a drug conviction carries an impossible penalty, the Supreme Court can correct it even after finality—here's how.
Retraction vs Truth: Evaluating Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony against retraction and alibi defenses, explained through a landmark child rape case.
Witness Credibility and Alibi Defense: How the Supreme Court Affirmed a Rape Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony outweighs the defense of denial and alibi.
Incestuous Rape: Why the Supreme Court Upheld the Victim's Testimony Against Her Brother
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for incestuous rape, explaining why a victim's testimony against her own brother deserves full credence.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Murder Cases Under Philippine Law
When does a sudden attack qualify as treachery in Philippine murder cases? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Pedrigal.
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.
Treachery and Witness Testimony Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt in the Philippines
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, and alibi in rape-with-homicide cases, and why conviction requires proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How positive eyewitness identification and treachery established murder beyond reasonable doubt in People v. Bagsit, and what this means for criminal cases.
Oral Extrajudicial Confession Alone Cannot Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court acquits accused in robbery with homicide case, ruling an uncorroborated oral extrajudicial confession is insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Treachery vs. Evident Premeditation: Distinguishing Murder and Rape in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from evident premeditation in murder, and why charging documents matter in rape cases.
Incestuous Rape: Why the Prosecution Must Prove the Victim's Age Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In incestuous rape cases, the prosecution must prove the victim's minority and relationship to the offender beyond reasonable doubt to justify the death penalty.
The Element of Surprise: Defining Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Procedural Lapses in Parental Incest Case
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of father but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua due to procedural defects in the information.
Simple Arson vs Destructive Arson: Intent and Degree of Damage in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple arson and destructive arson, focusing on intent, degree of damage, and the properties burned.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Positive Identification Conflicts With Inconsistent Testimony
A murder conviction reversed because the prosecution's sole eyewitness gave inconsistent testimony, undermining the claim of positive identification.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Intact Hymen
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies that intact hymen does not negate rape.
The Boundaries of Self Defense When Force Becomes Unlawful Aggression in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense is valid and when force becomes unlawful aggression in criminal cases.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Corroborating Testimony and Rejecting the Sweetheart Defense
How Philippine courts weigh victim credibility, corroborating medical evidence, and the sweetheart defense in rape convictions.
Rape by Intimidation: Upholding Victim Credibility in Domestic Abuse Cases
SC affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, rejecting the sweetheart defense and clarifying force and intimidation standards.
Dishonored Obligations When A Lawyers Debt Becomes A Disciplinary Matter
When a lawyer's unpaid debt and worthless checks become grounds for suspension—a look at Lao v. Medel.