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.
Conspiracy and Ignominy in Rape Cases: Understanding Criminal Liability
How conspiracy and ignominy widen criminal liability in rape cases under Philippine law, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Discernment in Juvenile Justice: Key Lessons from CICL XXX vs. People
Understand how Philippine courts determine a minor's discernment and criminal liability, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in CICL XXX vs. People.
Libel in the Philippines: When Posting a Complaint Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of libel, including publication and malice, in a case involving posted criminal complaints.
Treachery in Robbery with Homicide: The Supreme Court’s Ruling in People v. Juada
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery aggravates robbery with homicide and affirms conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Juada.
Consent and Intoxication in Rape Cases: Key Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine law on rape and intoxication: when severe drunkenness or unconsciousness negates consent, and why credible testimony can convict.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how moral ascendancy can replace force or intimidation in rape cases involving relatives.
When a Motorcycle Ride Makes a Killing Murder: People v. Padal Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows how using a motorcycle to chase a victim can elevate a killing from homicide to murder under Philippine law.
Forcible Abduction and Rape in the Philippines: Insights from People v. Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court treats forcible abduction with rape, victim credibility, and penalties under Philippine law.
Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
Murder with Direct Assault: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction in People v. Estonilo
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction for Murder with Direct Assault in People v. Estonilo, highlighting the role of circumstantial evidence and the weakness of alibi.
Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Murder Convictions
How credible eyewitness testimony and treachery shape murder convictions in the Philippines, with lessons from People v. Dulanas.
Eyewitness Testimony, Confessions, and Conspiracy: Lessons from the Payumo Massacre Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in the Payumo Massacre case clarifies the rules on eyewitness credibility, inadmissible confessions, and conspiracy in Philippine criminal law.
Dying Declarations and Circumstantial Evidence: People v. Norrudin Explained
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Norrudin shows how dying declarations and circumstantial evidence can prove murder beyond reasonable doubt.
Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Rape Cases: People v. Desamparado Explained
How the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite medical evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal justice.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Mariano
Philippine courts give significant weight to a child's credible testimony in rape cases. Learn the key principles from People v. Mariano.
Delayed Reporting in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Trust Victim Testimony
Philippine courts uphold rape convictions despite delayed reporting when victims offer credible reasons. Learn the legal principles from People v. Cano.
Sole Testimony of a Rape Victim: The Hofileña Case and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine jurisprudence holds that the sole, credible testimony of a rape victim can sustain a conviction. Learn the rules from People v. Hofileña.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Insights from People vs. Agunos
Philippine courts may convict on a rape victim's credible testimony alone. Learn the rules from People vs. Agunos.
Witness Credibility in Philippine Courts: Why Family Ties Don't Discredit Testimony
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility by quality, not family ties. A landmark case clarifies evidence rules, paraffin tests, and damages.
Conspiracy and Mastermind Liability in Philippine Murder Cases: The Sanchez Doctrine
How Philippine courts hold crime masterminds liable for murder through conspiracy, even when they never appear at the crime scene.
Date Discrepancies in Rape Cases: Substance Over Technicality in Philippine Law
Philippine courts uphold rape convictions despite date discrepancies in the information, prioritizing substantive justice over technical defects.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: People v. Rebose and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts can convict in rape cases based solely on credible victim testimony, even without medical evidence. Learn the rules from People v. Rebose.
Abuse of Superior Strength as an Aggravating Circumstance in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how abuse of superior strength elevates homicide to murder under Philippine law, with key insights from a Supreme Court ruling.
Valid Confession in Philippine Law: When Your Words Can Be Used Against You
Learn when a confession is valid and admissible in Philippine courts, and how constitutional rights during custodial investigation protect accused persons.