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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Justice Denied When Eyewitness Testimony Determines Guilt IN Homicide Cases
The Weight of Witness Testimony and Identity in Homicide Convictions
How Philippine courts assess eyewitness identification and credibility in homicide cases, and why knowing a face matters more than knowing a name.
Spousal Testimony Protecting Marriage VS Seeking Justice IN Arson Cases
Libel Conviction Reversed: Why Authenticating Tape Recordings Matters in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court reverses libel conviction, ruling that unauthenticated tape recordings and uncorroborated testimony cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The Power of Corroborating Evidence: How Philippine Courts Assess Witness Testimony
Philippine courts weigh witness testimony against physical evidence and corroboration. Learn the rules from the Larrañaga (Chiong sisters) case.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Rape Conviction Despite Victim's Mental Retardation
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that a mentally retarded victim's straightforward testimony remains credible and sufficient for conviction.
Credibility of a Minor Rape Victim's Testimony: Lessons from People v. Suarez
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's testimony deserves full faith and credit despite minor inconsistencies.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Court Affirms Credibility of Minor Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible minor victim testimony, rejecting defense attacks on minor inconsistencies and delay in reporting.
Lost Deeds, Lost Claims: Proving Real Property Donations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a lost deed of donation cannot be proven by testimony alone, and the formal requirements for valid real property donations.
Upholding Notarized Contracts Overcoming Forgery Claims In Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds, forgery claims, and expert testimony in property sales.
Dying Declarations and Witness Testimony Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh dying declarations and witness credibility to convict in homicide cases, explained in plain language.
When Presence Implies Participation: Fencing Conviction Reversed for Lack of Proof
The Supreme Court acquits a jeweler of fencing stolen jewelry, ruling that inconsistent testimony and hearsay cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Fencing Law, Inconsistent Testimony, and the Burden of Proof in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a jeweler of fencing, stressing that inconsistent testimony and hearsay cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Doubt AND DUE Process Reassessing Convictions Based ON Inconsistent Testimony IN Rape Cases
Child Witness Testimony and Statutory Rape: Competency in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, and why proper plea inquiry and qualifying circumstances matter in capital cases.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Based ON Credible Testimony Despite Defective Information
Incestuous Rape: Credibility of a Victim's Testimony in Cases of Parental Abuse
When a mentally disabled minor is raped, her testimony can convict. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Mabonga.
Reliability of Poseur Buyer Testimony in Drug Sale Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a single poseur buyer's testimony suffices to convict in illegal drug sale cases.
Accountability for Murder Conspiracy and the Limits of Alibi
A Supreme Court ruling on murder conviction, eyewitness identification, treachery, and why alibi fails against positive testimony.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Homicide Cases: People v. Reforma
Eyewitness identification prevails over denial in People v. Reforma, but qualifying circumstances must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Accountability IN Robbery With Homicide THE Crucial Role OF Witness Testimony AND Circumstantial Evidence
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony vs Paraffin Test Results in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why a negative paraffin test cannot overcome positive eyewitness identification in a murder conviction.
Rape Conviction Reversed: Why Credibility of the Victim's Testimony Is Paramount
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, showing how the victim's inconsistent testimony and unexplained delays can undermine an otherwise serious charge.
Reasonable Doubt vs. Victim Credibility: Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not create reasonable doubt.