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.
Circumstantial Evidence and Dying Declarations in Rape-Homicide Convictions
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction using circumstantial evidence and the victim's dying declaration.
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.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.
Robbery with Rape and Grave Threats: Key Lessons from People v. Bueza
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how credible testimony can prove robbery with rape and grave threats, even without physical injuries.
Understanding Aberratio Ictus When A Missed Shot Leads To Complex Crimes In Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains aberratio ictus and complex crimes when a missed shot kills an unintended victim, applying treachery in People v. Bendecio.
Robbery with Rape: When Accomplices Are Liable for a Co-Accused’s Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies when a robber is liable for a co-accused’s rape, requiring proof of awareness and opportunity to prevent it.
Robbery with Homicide vs Simple Robbery: When a Co-Robber Dies in a Police Shootout
The Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a robbery is "on the occasion" of the crime, and when it is not.
Robbery with Homicide: When a Deadly Robbery Is Only Simple Robbery
The Supreme Court explains when a death during a robbery still results in simple robbery, not robbery with homicide.
Falsification vs Estafa: Identifying the True Crime in Fraudulent Schemes
The Supreme Court clarifies when falsification of a private document, not estafa, is the proper charge in fraud cases.
Understanding Conspiracy and Homicide When Threats Turn Deadly
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how circumstantial evidence can prove rape with homicide and why alibi often fails.
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.
The High Cost of Homicide: Establishing Liability in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts convict in robbery with homicide, from proving intent to the price of damages.
Defective Information Reduces Direct Assault Conviction to Homicide
A missing element in the information reduced a direct assault conviction to homicide, underscoring the constitutional right to be informed of charges.
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.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent to Rob Must Precede the Killing
The Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide requires intent to rob before the killing; otherwise, only homicide may be proven.
Malversation Through Falsification: Upholding Accountability in Philippine Public Office
A BIR agent's conviction for malversation through falsification shows how Philippine courts penalize public fund misappropriation and enforce restitution.
Age Discrepancies in Statutory Rape: Reassessing Penalties Under Special Laws and the Revised Penal Code
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a child victim's age determines whether an offender is charged with statutory rape or sexual abuse under RA 7610.
Single Act Multiple Crimes Complex Crime of Murder and Attempted Murder Defined
Explaining the complex crime rule when one act kills several and wounds others, citing People v. Barde.
Affinity Survives Death But Not Falsification: Estafa and Article 332
The Supreme Court rules on whether a son-in-law can invoke the Article 332 exemption from criminal liability for estafa after his wife's death.
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.
Rape vs Theft: Distinguishing Intent in Special Complex Crimes Under Philippine Law
When does robbery with rape apply? The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to take property must precede the rape, not follow it.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: When Words Lead to a Homicide Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy in Philippine law makes all robbers liable for homicide, even without pulling the trigger.
Forcible Abduction with Rape: Why "Sweetheart" Status Does Not Equal Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that romantic relationships never imply consent to sexual acts, especially when force or abduction is involved.
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.