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.
Reasonable Doubt and Circumstantial Evidence: When Suspicion Cannot Sustain a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits five police officers of double murder, explaining when circumstantial evidence fails the test of moral certainty.
The Boundaries of Conspiracy: Examining Intent in Frustrated Homicide Cases in the Philippines
How Philippine courts determine conspiracy in frustrated homicide, using the Salvatierra case to explain shared intent and liability.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft cases begins, distinguishing discovery from commission of the offense.
Supreme Court Affirms Murder Conviction Despite Defense Claims of Self-Defense
SC affirms murder conviction of three men who mauled victim to death, rejecting self-defense claims and upholding reclusion perpetua.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom, positive identification, alibi, conspiracy, and damages under Article 267.
When Corporate Veil Claims Fail: Lessons from the Behest Loan Case
The Supreme Court explains when the Ombudsman may dismiss fraud complaints against corporate officers and why evidence of conspiracy matters.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Group Violence: Robbery With Homicide Liability
How Philippine courts establish liability for robbery with homicide in group attacks, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Liability in Highway Robbery: Conspiracy and Identifying Perpetrators
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in highway robbery, eyewitness identification, and liability of accused under PD 532.
Conspiracy and Credibility: Examining Witness Testimony in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed positive identification, delayed reporting, and conspiracy in affirming murder convictions.
Custodial Rape: Consent and Trust Betrayed in Step-Grandfather's Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of step-grandfather, ruling that a child victim's credible testimony suffices even without a ruptured hymen.
Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy and evident premeditation in murder, explaining how joint purpose and intent establish liability.
Hired Guns and Silent Inducements: Criminal Liability in Contract Killings Under Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat hired killers and those who induce them, based on a landmark 2001 murder case.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Criminal Conspiracy and the Duty to Disclose Knowledge of a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when silence about a crime becomes criminal conspiracy, and the limits of the duty to report.
Presence vs Participation: When Mere Presence Creates Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence at a crime scene constitutes conspiracy versus innocent observation, using a rape case as example.
Safeguarding Confessions: The Right to Competent Counsel in Custodial Investigations
A suspect's confession is inadmissible without effective, independent counsel during custodial investigation. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Patungan.
When Association Isnt Conspiracy Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies The Need For Concrete Proof In Criminal Co
The Supreme Court explains when mere presence becomes criminal conspiracy, requiring proof of a common design to commit a crime.
The Limits of Alibi: Proving Impossibility in Criminal Defense
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why alibi fails against positive identification in murder cases, explaining the legal standard for impossibility.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
How Philippine courts apply treachery to qualify killings as murder, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a sudden stabbing.
Accountability in Group Crime: Conspiracy and Individual Liability in Violent Attacks
When a group attacks, Philippine courts can hold each member liable for the acts of all through conspiracy. This case explains how.
Conspiracy and Liability in Philippine Murder Cases: The Uriarte Doctrine
A look at how Philippine courts handle conspiracy, witness credibility, and conflicting medical evidence in homicide cases.
Guilt by Association: The Limits of Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy, acquitting an accused while affirming a co-accused's murder conviction.
Conspiracy in Check Fraud: When Signing Another's Check Is Not Estafa
The Supreme Court explains when signing checks from another person's account does not prove conspiracy in estafa cases.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Pablo
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy and treachery define murder in the Philippines, using the 2001 People v. Pablo ruling.
No Conspiracy No Murder: Independent Liability in Criminal Actions
Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules in People v. Pablo, distinguishing murder from attempted homicide and refining damage awards.