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.
Discernment Requirement for Minors: Key Lessons from Dorado v. People
Supreme Court clarifies that discernment, not intent, determines criminal liability of minors aged 15-18 under RA 9344.
Incomplete Self-Defense: When a Knife Is Not a Reasonable Means in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a knife against a belt buckle fails the "reasonable necessity" test for incomplete self-defense in homicide.
Juvenile Justice Balancing Rehabilitation AND Accountability IN HOMICIDE CASES
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child in conflict with the law may still be imprisoned, even under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Justifiable Force and Homicide in Philippine Law
A police officer shot a man during a routine check. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and performance of duty fail.
Minority as Privileged Mitigating Circumstance in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that minority is a privileged mitigating circumstance under Article 68, reducing the penalty for murder by one degree.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Testimony and Weapon Use Analyzed
Supreme Court affirms rape with homicide conviction, clarifies death penalty reduction rules for minor offenders.
Retraction vs Truth: Evaluating Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony against retraction and alibi defenses, explained through a landmark child rape case.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Stone Pelting: Understanding Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to uphold murder convictions in a fatal stone-pelting attack in Sorsogon.
Dying Declarations in Rape-Homicide: Admissibility and the Minor Offender's Penalty
A rape-homicide conviction anchored on the victim's dying declaration, and why the minor accused escaped the death penalty.
Statutory Rape Penetration IS Required FOR Consummation Attempted Rape Defined
The Supreme Court clarifies that penetration, not mere touching, is required for consummated statutory rape, explaining attempted rape rules.
Gun Fights and Legal Rights: Unpacking Self-Defense Claims in Homicide Cases
A Navy captain kills in a road rage scuffle. When does self-defense apply, and when does it fail? The Supreme Court explains.
Principals vs Accomplices: Degrees of Participation in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains the difference between principals and accomplices in Philippine criminal law, and how courts determine each participant's liability.