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.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Preservation of Child Welfare in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms six counts of statutory rape, underscoring that a child's consent is immaterial and that young victims' testimony deserves full credence.
Conspiracy and Treachery: How Group Violence Determines Criminal Liability
Learn how Philippine courts apply conspiracy and treachery in group attacks, using a Supreme Court murder case as a guide.
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.
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.
Prior Payment of Check Value as Defense in Bouncing Checks Cases
When does paying the check amount before prosecution bar a B.P. 22 conviction? The Supreme Court explains in Griffith v. Court of Appeals.
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.
Protecting Trademarks: Infringement and Damages for Similar Designs
Supreme Court clarifies trademark infringement rules, damages, and copyright cancellation for similar arcuate designs on jeans.
Judicial Discretion in Determining Probable Cause for Arrest Warrants
Explaining the judge's exclusive duty to personally determine probable cause for arrest warrants and the limits of judicial discretion.
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.
Laches and Land Ownership: Time Limits in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how laches, prescription, and procedural deadlines can bar heirs from contesting property transfers in the Philippines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Reopening Cases for Fair Trial
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of a fair trial, courts may reopen the case to serve justice.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Examining Criminal Liability in Joint Offenses
Explore how conspiracy and treachery shape criminal liability in joint offenses under Philippine law, with insights from recent jurisprudence.
The Perils of Alibi: Why Positive Identification Alone Cannot Guarantee Conviction
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite positive identification, emphasizing that the prosecution must prove force and intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
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.
From Robbery With Homicide to Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, circumstantial evidence, and the distinction between attempted homicide and frustrated murder.
Positive Identification Overrules Alibi in Vergara Robbery Case
Supreme Court affirms robbery conviction, holding that a victim's positive identification prevails over an accused's alibi and bare denial.