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: Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault Convictions Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when an accused can be convicted of both statutory rape and sexual assault arising from a single incident against a child.
Duplicitous Informations and Child Abuse: Understanding Convictions for Multiple Offenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how duplicitous informations can lead to convictions for multiple offenses, and when child abuse charges apply instead of rape.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
Understanding Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and corrects penalty and damages awards in De Guzman v. People.
Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability
Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.
Acquittal in Murder Case and Civil Liability: The Garces v. Hernandez Ruling
When an acquittal rests on weak prosecution evidence, the court may rule that no civil liability arises. Learn the rules.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Victim Rights, and the High Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms a kidnap-for-ransom conviction, clarifies conspiracy liability, and adjusts damages awards for the victim.
Failure to Appear at Judgment Promulgation: Losing Legal Remedies in Criminal Cases
In criminal cases, skipping judgment promulgation without justifiable cause forfeits remedies like appeal or reconsideration. The Supreme Court explains.
Double Jeopardy and Amendment of Information: Protecting Accused Rights After Conviction
Supreme Court rules on double jeopardy when prosecution tries to amend information after conviction and probation application.
Double Jeopardy and Modification of Criminal Penalties: Protecting the Accused
The Supreme Court rules that courts cannot increase a convicted person's penalty on the prosecution's motion, citing double jeopardy protections.
Invalid Promulgation of Judgment: When Philippine Courts Fail to Follow Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court explains what makes a valid promulgation in absentia and when the accused's right to appeal accrues.
Pleading Pitfalls: How Incorrect Wording in Rape Informations Can Impact Penalties in the Philippines
Learn how defective wording in rape informations can affect penalties, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings on criminal procedure.
Protecting the Defenseless: Upholding Conviction for Child Rape Despite Claims of Unreliable Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child of tender years can be a credible witness, upholding a conviction for acts of lasciviousness against a minor.
Child Witnesses and Acts of Lasciviousness: The Dulla Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child can testify and how acts of lasciviousness differ from rape in this 2000 ruling.