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.
Upholding Election Integrity Consequences OF Judicial Errors AND Gross Ignorance OF THE LAW
A judge's mishandling of a bail hearing in a murder case leads to a fine for gross ignorance of the law.
When Eyewitness Testimony Is Enough to Convict: Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
Examining People v. Gonzales: how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness credibility, alibis, and treachery in murder convictions.
Treachery Defined: Sudden Attacks and Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through a sudden tricycle stabbing, clarifying evident premeditation and damages.
Treachery and Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how credible eyewitness testimony, not treachery, can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
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.
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.
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.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Orio
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi and denial, and when treachery or abuse of superior strength qualifies a killing as murder.
Burden of Proof When Inconsistent Testimony and Physical Evidence Lead to Acquittal in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused where witness testimonies conflicted and physical evidence contradicted the prosecution's theory.
Treachery and Criminal Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and intent to kill are proven in murder cases, using the conviction of Maximo Hernandez as an example.
Navigating Reasonable Doubt When Conflicting Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Criminal Conspiracy
When a key witness contradicts himself, reasonable doubt arises. The Supreme Court acquits one accused in a murder case, clarifying conspiracy rules.
Orchestrating Death: Conspiracy and Accountability in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how a hacienda overseer who ordered killings was held liable as a principal under conspiracy doctrine.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: Examining Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when abuse of superior strength qualifies murder, and why credible witnesses outweigh bare denials in Philippine criminal cases.
Conspiracy and Individual Liability in the Rodel Quijon Murder Case
A look at how the Supreme Court applied conspiracy rules to hold a non-stabbing participant liable for murder in People v. Tolibas.
Self Defense Claim Fails Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Murder Cases
Examining the Supreme Court's ruling on self-defense claims in murder cases, and the burden of proof required to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Treachery in Concerted Attacks: Establishing Liability in Group Violence
How Philippine courts determine criminal liability when multiple persons attack a victim, using the Alberto Blanco murder case as a guide.
Gunpowder Residue and Witness Credibility: Evaluating Evidence in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, conspiracy, and treachery in murder convictions, explained through a 2000 Supreme Court ruling.
Eyewitness Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Murder Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification versus alibi in murder cases, explaining standards for credibility and positive identification.
Dying Declarations and Extrajudicial Confessions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains when dying declarations are admissible and when extrajudicial confessions are not in murder prosecutions.
Accomplice vs Principal in Murder Cases: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person is a principal rather than an accomplice in murder, and how complex crimes apply to multiple shootings.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Why Witness Credibility Is Key in Philippine Murder Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility in criminal cases, using the incestuous rape ruling in People v. Sevilla as a guide.
How Eyewitness Credibility Decides Murder Cases in Philippine Courts
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows how credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine murder convictions.
Positive Identification Is Key: How Philippine Courts Determine Guilt Beyond Alibi in Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibi and denial in criminal cases, as shown in People v. Requiz.
Credibility of Witnesses in Philippine Courts: Supreme Court Upholds Trial Court's Assessment in Murder Case
The Supreme Court reaffirms that trial courts' factual findings and witness credibility assessments deserve great weight, explaining why positive identification beats alibi.