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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Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Shared Criminal Intent
Explaining conspiracy in Philippine criminal law through People v. Flora, where the Supreme Court clarified the limits of co-conspirator liability.
Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law: When Does It Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court explains the moral certainty standard for proof beyond reasonable doubt and why weak eyewitness testimony leads to acquittal.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, credibility of witnesses, and the requirement of proof beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Self-Defense and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Candare
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how conspiracy and physical evidence establish guilt in murder cases, even when self-defense is claimed.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Sudden Attacks and Murder Convictions
Learn how treachery qualifies killing as murder in the Philippines, explained through the 2000 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Obosa.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
Learn how treachery qualifies homicide to murder in Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Obosa.
Rape Conviction and Procedural Accuracy: Lessons from People v. Magat
A father's rape conviction shows why void plea bargains, double jeopardy, and proper arraignment procedure matter in Philippine criminal law.
Dying Declarations and Precise Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
Explore how Philippine courts treat dying declarations and why precise identification matters in criminal cases.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery in murder cases, and when it does not.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Victim Defenselessness Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies killing to murder, focusing on the victim's defenselessness and sudden attack.
Evaluating Witness Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law: The Orio Brothers Case
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and qualifying circumstances like treachery in murder cases.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from a sudden, provoked attack in People v. Caverte, and what it means for murder charges.
Self-Defense and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Caverte
A look at how the Supreme Court applied self-defense, alibi, treachery, and conspiracy rules in People v. Caverte.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, emphasizing that sudden attacks from a heated argument may only constitute homicide.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Defining Sudden and Unexpected Attacks in Murder Cases
In People v. Cabande, the Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder and why a sudden attack leaves victims unable to defend themselves.
Treachery in Criminal Law: When an Unexpected Attack Qualifies as Murder
Explore when treachery elevates a killing to murder under Philippine law, and why courts demand clear proof before appreciating it.
Homicide or Murder: Decoding Treachery and Premeditation in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and evident premeditation qualify a killing as murder, and when the crime remains homicide.
The Power of Witness Testimony: Examining Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court weighs eyewitness credibility against alibi defenses in Philippine criminal cases, and why positive identification prevails.
Splitting Appeals: Why Concurrent Jurisdiction Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
A single decision cannot be split between two courts. Learn why the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over mixed-penalty appeals.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: When Presence Means Guilt
Under Philippine law, conspiracy makes every participant equally liable for a crime, even without inflicting the fatal blow. People v. Gallo explains how.
When Presence Is Not Proof: Conspiracy and Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of murder based on mere presence at the crime scene, explaining the strict rules on conspiracy.
Unlawful Aggression: The Cornerstone of Self-Defense in Philippine Criminal Law
Understand unlawful aggression, the indispensable element of self-defense in Philippine criminal law, as explained through Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law: When Is It Enough for Conviction
When can Philippine courts convict based on circumstantial evidence? Learn the rules and limits from People v. Apelado.
Upholding Child Testimony: Key Principles in Philippine Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, explaining key evidentiary principles in Philippine criminal law.