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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Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases: Proving Guilt Without Eyewitnesses
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in murder and arson cases, explained through the Camarse ruling.
Arson with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secured a Conviction
The Supreme Court affirmed an arson-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence. Learn the legal standard and key lessons.
Arson and Homicide: How the Primary Motive Determines Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a fire is absorbed by arson or punished separately, based on the offender's main objective.
Insanity Plea and Arson: When Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder, in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the insanity defense, the proof needed for murder, and when arson is a separate crime.
PhilHealth Claims Disputes and Procedural Rules: Lessons from Zarsona Medical Clinic v. PhilHealth
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on PhilHealth claims, procedural compliance, and the importance of substantial justice in administrative appeals.
Circumstantial Evidence and Arson: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts used circumstantial evidence to convict an arsonist, explaining the rules on identity, alibi, and proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Probable Cause vs Equipoise Rule: Safeguarding Against Unjust Arrest in Arson Cases
When prosecutors flip-flop on probable cause, courts hold the line. Flores v. Gonzalez clarifies the equipoise rule and judicial independence.
From Double Murder to Arson: How Intent Shapes Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when setting fire to a house is murder or arson, and why intent determines the crime.
Intentional Burning and Syndicate Aggravation: Defining Arson and Its Penalties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies arson's elements and the syndicate aggravating circumstance that raises the penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Circumstantial Evidence in Arson with Homicide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in arson with homicide cases, explained through People v. Gil.
Conviction Despite Alibi: Positive Identification Overrules Defense in Quirino Arson-Murder Case
In People v. Gaffud, the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for double murder by fire, ruling that positive identification and flight defeat alibi and denial.
Arson and Double Jeopardy: When a Single Act Leads to Multiple Deaths
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether burning a house killing two victims is one complex crime or two separate murders.
Arson Conviction Upheld: Eyewitness Testimony Enough for Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court affirms arson conviction, ruling a single credible eyewitness can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and establish corpus delicti.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Arson Cases
How a credible lone eyewitness can overcome alibi and denial in Philippine arson prosecutions, with practical lessons.
Simple vs Destructive Arson: Intent, Information Adequacy, and Penalty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies simple vs destructive arson, emphasizing the information's allegations control the crime charged and penalty.
Arson Proven by Circumstantial Evidence: Insurance Claims and Intent
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence, including over-insurance, can prove destructive arson beyond reasonable doubt.
Arson and Homicide: Distinguishing Intent and Consequences in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arson absorbs resulting deaths versus when separate homicide charges apply, using intent as the key.
Spousal Testimony Protecting Marriage VS Seeking Justice IN Arson Cases
Dismissal of Appeal, Counsel's Negligence, and the Right to Be Heard
The Supreme Court reinstated an arson convict's appeal after his lawyer withdrew without notice, ruling that procedural rules must yield to substantial justice.
Simple Arson vs Destructive Arson: Intent and Degree of Damage in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple arson and destructive arson, focusing on intent, degree of damage, and the properties burned.
When Good Samaritans Become Targets: Arson, Murder, and Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains how burning an inhabited house and shooting a Good Samaritan helper constitute arson and murder with treachery.
Circumstantial Evidence vs Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Arson and Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court distinguished insufficient circumstantial evidence from credible eyewitness testimony in a 1998 arson and murder case.
When Courts Review Mining Disputes: The Pearson Doctrine on Abandoned Claims
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Pearson on abandoned mining claims, administrative adjudication, and when courts may review interlocutory orders.
Arson Conviction: Intentional Burning of an Inhabited House Under PD 1613
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of arson under PD 1613 when an inhabited house is burned, and how alibi and witness credibility are weighed.