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.
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Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Damages in Roque v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and awards temperate damages when receipts are missing.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Liability Beyond Direct Participation
A look at how Philippine courts hold co-conspirators equally liable for robbery with homicide, even when they did not personally inflict the fatal stab wound.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Defining the Boundaries of Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack amounts to treachery and why claiming self-defense requires proving unlawful aggression.
Passion's Lingering Flame: Redefining Mitigating Circumstances in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that passion and obfuscation may build over time, not just in the heat of the moment, reducing murder to homicide.
Treachery Unveiled Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Sudden Altercations
Accountability for All: Defining Conspiracy in Robbery with Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts apply conspiracy to hold all robbers liable for homicide, even those who did not kill.
Self-Defense vs. Criminal Intent: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery qualifies killing as murder, not homicide.
The Weight of Witness Testimony in Philippine Murder Convictions
How positive eyewitness identification outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine robbery with homicide cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Juvenile Justice Balancing Rehabilitation AND Accountability IN HOMICIDE CASES
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child in conflict with the law may still be imprisoned, even under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Understanding Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and corrects penalty and damages awards in De Guzman v. People.
Intent to Kill: What Separates Frustrated Homicide from Serious Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent to kill distinguishes frustrated homicide from serious physical injuries, with practical guidance on evidence.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: When a Deadly Response Fails in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements in homicide cases, explaining why unlawful aggression is essential and must be proven with clear evidence.
Text Messages as Evidence in Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Learn how Philippine courts treat text messages as evidence in homicide cases and what it takes to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When Killing Is Not Robbery: Proving Intent in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing with theft is homicide, not robbery with homicide, focusing on criminal intent.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent to Rob Must Precede the Killing
The Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide requires intent to rob before the killing; otherwise, only homicide may be proven.
Intent vs Act: Distinguishing Homicide From Robbery With Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become robbery with homicide instead of murder? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Torres.
Shared Intent, Shared Guilt: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Homicide Law
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy works in homicide cases—when one acts, all are liable, even without direct participation.
Medical Negligence and the Standard of Care: Physician Liability in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a doctor's failure to operate constitutes reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, and when it does not.
Self-Defense and Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Homicide in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Supreme Court Clarifies Penalty and Damages
Supreme Court modifies kidnapping conviction to special complex crime of kidnapping for ransom with homicide, affirming reclusion perpetua and awarding damages.
Lack of Treachery Reduces Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when lack of treachery reduces murder to homicide, affecting penalties and damages.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for homicide, and clarifies the rules on incomplete self-defense and voluntary surrender.
Self Defense Under Scrutiny: Establishing Credible Threat in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense claims fail in homicide cases, requiring credible threat and unlawful aggression.
Reasonable Doubt and Witness Credibility in Philippine Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility against reasonable doubt in homicide cases, explained through Medina v. People.