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.
Patent Infringement in the Philippines: How Claims Define Protection
Philippine patent infringement hinges on claim interpretation. The Supreme Court's Tuna Processors ruling clarifies direct and indirect infringement.
When Fraud or Force Negates Consent in Rape: People v. Disipulo
The Supreme Court clarifies that consent obtained through fraud or overcome by force is not valid consent in rape cases.
Inducement in Homicide: When Words Lead to Criminal Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Ambagan v. People on when spoken words can make a person liable as principal by inducement in homicide.
Bail and State Witness Rules in Murder and Parricide Cases: The Valerio Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be denied and when an accused may be discharged as state witness in murder and parricide cases.
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.
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.
Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions: Safeguarding Rights in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the four requirements for admissible extrajudicial confessions and what makes counsel "competent and independent" in custodial investigations.
Affidavits of Desistance and Witness Recantations: Their Limited Impact on Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine courts view affidavits of desistance and witness recantations with disfavor. Learn why from People v. Ballabare.