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.
Protecting Children from Physical Abuse: The Scope of RA 7610 and the Need to Prove Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies when physical abuse of children falls under RA 7610 and why qualifying circumstances in rape must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Relationship as Qualifying Circumstance in Rape: Why Precise Allegations Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies that "stepfather" and "common-law spouse" are distinct terms in rape cases, and qualifying circumstances must be alleged and proven.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
How sudden, unexpected attacks qualify killings as murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, explained through a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Rape Conviction Affirming Victim Testimony AND Ensuring Justice
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explains qualifying circumstances and penalties under Philippine law.
Limits of Abuse of Superior Strength: Redefining Attempted Homicide in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when abuse of superior strength qualifies a crime, reducing a conviction from attempted murder to attempted homicide.
The Element of Surprise: Defining Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Beyond Self Defense When Outrage Transforms Killing Into Murder
When self-defense fails: how post-aggression acts of revenge turn a killing into murder under Philippine law.
Parental Authority vs Incestuous Abuse: Why a Guilty Plea Did Not Ensure the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the Information failed to state the victim's exact age.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Voice Identification and the Requirement of Pleading Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on voice identification but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to allege qualifying circumstances.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
Understand how treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a 1993 shooting.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding the Crucial Difference in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes homicide from murder, the role of qualifying circumstances, and why the distinction matters in criminal cases.
Unexpected Assault Equals Treachery: How Sudden Attacks Qualify as Murder in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack constitutes treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Treachery as a Qualifying Circumstance in Murder: Lessons from People v. Pinca
Learn how Philippine courts determine treachery in murder cases and why the death penalty requires proof of qualifying circumstances.
Protecting Children: Understanding the Nuances of Rape Law and Parental Accountability in the Philippines
A father's conviction for raping his daughter clarifies Philippine rape law, qualifying circumstances, and the death penalty's proper application.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using People v. Villegas to illustrate sudden, unexpected attacks.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Understanding Murder vs. Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, distinguishing it from homicide in People v. Compendio.