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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Child Abuse vs Slight Physical Injuries: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a teacher's discipline of a child is child abuse or only slight physical injuries under Philippine law.
Reckless Imprudence Penalties for Damage to Property and Physical Injuries
Explaining how Philippine courts penalize reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and physical injuries, based on a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Intent to Kill: The Fine Line Between Attempted Murder and Serious Physical Injuries
The Supreme Court clarifies when a violent attack is attempted murder or only serious physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill and spontaneous desistance.
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.
Less Serious Physical Injuries: When Intent to Kill Is Absent
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mauling results in less serious physical injuries rather than attempted homicide, and how a brawl differs from a tumultuous affray.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Robbery with Physical Injuries Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why positive identification beats alibi in robbery with physical injuries cases, with practical takeaways.
Child Abuse vs Physical Injuries: Intent Requirement Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies when a teacher's act is child abuse under RA 7610 or mere slight physical injuries under the Revised Penal Code.
Understanding the Elements of Rape and the Power of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how a victim's credible testimony can prove rape, even without physical injuries or eyewitnesses.
Distinguishing Child Abuse From Physical Injuries: Intent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every injury to a minor is child abuse; specific intent to debase or demean must be proven.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Slight Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a harmful act is attempted murder or only slight physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Frustrated Homicide From Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill separates frustrated homicide from physical injuries, and why a gunshot wound proves it.
Protecting Children Upholding Stiffer Penalties for Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for child abuse under R.A. 7610, clarifying that physical abuse of a child is penalized more heavily than ordinary physical injuries.
Child Abuse vs Slight Physical Injuries: The Intent Requirement in Philippine Law
When does a slap on a child become child abuse under RA 7610, and when is it only slight physical injuries? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of intent.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack OF Physical Injuries THE Importance OF Credible Testimony AND USE OF Force
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill separates attempted murder from physical injuries, and what evidence proves it.
Intent to Kill: What Separates Frustrated Homicide from Serious Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent to kill distinguishes frustrated homicide from serious physical injuries, with practical guidance on evidence.
Self-Defense and the Burden of Proof: Evidence Rules in Slight Physical Injuries Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains self-defense burdens and when unoffered evidence may still be admitted in slight physical injuries cases.
Reckless Imprudence Penalty Corrected in Road Accident Conviction
SC clarifies proper penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries, correcting CA's erroneous penalty imposition.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Child Victims' Testimony in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, holding that a child victim's credible testimony prevails over the absence of physical injuries.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Visible Physical Injuries Protecting Victims of Sexual Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an intact hymen does not negate rape, and explains the distinction between rape by sexual intercourse and rape by sexual assault.
Mistaken Identity or Intent to Kill: The Boundaries of Attempted Murder and Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted murder versus less serious physical injuries, and how positive identification defeats alibi.
Medical Certificate Authentication: Proving Physical Injuries in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat medical certificates as evidence, why authentication matters, and what Postanes v. People teaches litigants.
Drunk Passenger Altercation Establishing Liability in Cases of Murder and Physical Injuries
SC ruling on liability when a drunk passenger's altercation turns deadly, covering treachery, conspiracy, and proper penalties.
Accountability Under the Law: Examining Guilt in Robbery With Physical Injuries Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bystander becomes a co-principal in robbery with physical injuries, and the limits of conspiracy.