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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The Weight of Circumstantial Evidence in Securing Justice for Victims in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining the rules for proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Circumstantial Evidence Sufficient for Conviction in Robbery With Homicide Case
Supreme Court affirms robbery with homicide convictions based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when such evidence suffices for guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Circumstantial Evidence and Treachery in Murder Convictions Without Direct Witnesses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conviction for murder based on eyewitness identification, treachery, and the weakness of alibi defense.
Incestuous Rape: Why Alleging Minority in the Information Matters
A father's rape conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because the Information failed to properly allege the victim's minority.
Conspiracy and Liability in Philippine Murder Cases: The Uriarte Doctrine
A look at how Philippine courts handle conspiracy, witness credibility, and conflicting medical evidence in homicide cases.
Self Defense and Credibility: Redefining Homicide Conviction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains Philippine rules on self-defense, defense of a relative, and witness credibility in affirming a homicide conviction.
When Flight Equals Guilt Examining Evidence AND Treachery IN Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions, clarifying flight, treachery, and evidence rules in criminal cases.
Jurisdictional Boundaries: Appealing Customs Decisions and Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Importation D
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why importers must appeal customs abandonment decisions to the Commissioner and CTA, not RTC.
Attorney Suspended for Representing Conflicting Interests in Corporate Dispute
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months after finding she acted for conflicting interests in a corporation she helped organize and later led as president.
Guilt by Association: The Limits of Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy, acquitting an accused while affirming a co-accused's murder conviction.
When Brutality Escalates: Establishing Cruelty as an Aggravating Circumstance in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how cruelty as an aggravating circumstance elevates homicide to murder, using the Valdez decapitation case as a guide.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty in Child Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for the rape of a six-year-old, detailing the rules on victim credibility and evidence.
Upholding Attorney Accountability A Lawyers Duty TO Clients Despite FEE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer's duty to clients despite fee disputes, jurisdictional rules, and carrier liability for passenger safety.
Defining Counterclaims: Compulsory vs. Permissive in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish compulsory from permissive counterclaims, and why docket fees and jurisdiction depend on that distinction.
Affidavit Recantations and Parricide Convictions: Evaluating Witness Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a parricide conviction, explaining why recanted affidavits carry little weight against open-court testimony.
THE Testimony OF Rape Victims Credibility Corroboration AND THE Burden OF Proof
Conspiracy in Murder Cases: When a Tricycle Driver’s Suspicious Acts Are Not Enough to Convict
The Supreme Court acquits a tricycle driver of murder, ruling that suspicious conduct alone cannot prove conspiracy beyond reasonable doubt.
Reexamining Eyewitness Testimony and Guilt in Philippine Rape-Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-homicide conviction, explaining how minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony and alibi defenses are weighed.
Eyewitness Testimony and Positive Identification in Murder Cases: People v. Paraiso
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and alibi in a rape-with-homicide conviction.
Child Rape Conviction Upheld on Victim's Testimony and Medico-Legal Findings
In People v. Osing, the Supreme Court upheld a child rape conviction based on the victim's lone testimony and medico-legal evidence, stressing that corroboration is not required.
Threats and Testimonial Discrepancies in Rape Cases: Conviction Affirmed Despite Minor Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that minor testimonial inconsistencies and delayed reporting do not undermine a credible victim's account.
Strict Accountability for Court Funds: Consequences for Clerks of Court Mismanagement in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerk of court liability for mismanaged judiciary funds, emphasizing strict accountability and administrative consequences.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Plunder Cases Salary Grade Threshold Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over plunder cases involving salary grade thresholds and public officers.
Shareholder Rights vs Corporate Discretion: Mandamus and Stock Transfer Recording
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporate secretary must record stock transfers, SEC jurisdiction, and shareholder rights.