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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Self-Defense or Murder: Justifying Circumstances and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
A guide to self-defense, conspiracy, and treachery in Philippine criminal law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Bitoon.
Unraveling Conspiracy: Eyewitness Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court defined conspiracy through circumstantial evidence and eyewitness testimony in People v. Bermudez, and why treachery must be proven.
Navigating the Insanity Defense in Philippine Law: Burden of Proof and Presumption of Sanity
The Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense in Philippine criminal law, emphasizing the presumption of sanity and the accused's burden to prove insanity beyond reasonable doubt.
When Presence Becomes Participation: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Explore how the Supreme Court in People v. Sanchez defined conspiracy, distinguishing mere presence from concerted action in criminal liability.
When Self-Defense Fails: The Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and the limits of justifiable force in Philippine criminal law.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding the Nuances of Intent in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why qualifying circumstances must be proven beyond doubt.
When Accident Doesnt Excuse Murder Understanding Parricide AND Intent IN Philippine LAW
A police officer shoots his wife, claims accident, but the Supreme Court affirms parricide. Learn how intent and evidence work in Philippine criminal law.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Indispensable Cooperation
Learn how Philippine courts establish conspiracy in criminal cases, using the 1999 rape decision in People v. Banela as a guide.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Eyewitness Testimony Matters
Learn how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, positive identification, denial, and alibi in criminal cases, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Burden of Proof and Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
A cattle rustling conviction overturned on appeal because the prosecution relied on hearsay and uncorroborated testimony. Learn the rules on burden of proof.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Alibis Often Fail
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows why positive identification trumps weak defenses like alibi and denial in Philippine criminal cases.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Defenseless Victims
The Supreme Court explains treachery, conspiracy, and self-defense in a murder case involving three brothers who shot an unarmed victim.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why accused persons claiming self-defense must prove it, and how courts assess such claims.
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.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Shared Intent in Illegal Recruitment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in large-scale illegal recruitment, holding co-conspirators liable even without receiving money.
Alibi Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Proving Impossibility
Understand the alibi defense in Philippine criminal law, its legal basis, and why courts require proof of physical impossibility.
Unraveling Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: The Gungon Case and Its Implications
The Gungon case clarifies how Philippine courts prove conspiracy through circumstantial evidence and how complex crimes are penalized.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Justifying Circumstances and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense and alibi claims, and why both failed in this murder and frustrated homicide case.
Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions in Philippine Criminal Law
Explore when extrajudicial confessions are admissible in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Jerez.
Positive Identification Overcomes Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibi in criminal cases, explained through a 1998 rape conviction.
Admissibility of Confessions in Philippine Criminal Law: A Case Analysis
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility, delay in reporting crimes, and damages in murder cases through this case analysis.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: How Alevosia Qualifies a Killing to Murder
In People v. Villamor, the Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder and how damages must be proven with evidence.
Eyewitness Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence in drug cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.