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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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.
Libel Conviction Reversed: The Authentication Requirement for Tape Recordings in Philippine Courts
Supreme Court acquits radio host in libel case, ruling unauthenticated tape recordings inadmissible and emphasizing proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Malversation Conviction Affirmed Consenting To Misappropriation AS Grounds FOR Liability
Consent to misappropriation by a public officer can ground malversation liability even without personal gain, as this case shows.
When One Witness Is Enough: Credibility and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A single credible witness can sustain an estafa conviction. This article explains the rule from Panahon v. People and its practical implications.
Firearms Possession When Does a Gun Ban Trump Illegal Possession Charges
The Supreme Court explains when Republic Act No. 8294 bars a separate conviction for illegal possession of firearms if another crime was committed.
Online Abuse Conviction Upheld: SC Rules on VAWC and Social Media Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a VAWC conviction for a public Facebook post, ruling that social media use raises the penalty by one degree.
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.
Graft Case Lessons When Good Faith Defenses Fail Public Officials
A mayor's conviction under Section 3(e) of RA 3019 shows when good faith defenses fail public officials in graft cases.
Moral Turpitude and Public Service: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Government Employees
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a B.P. 22 conviction means dismissal for government employees, even with probation.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Affirms Conviction and Raises Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, raising the penalty because the offense was committed through Facebook.
Insufficient Evidence and Due Process When Accusations Fail to Convict
A corporate officer's conviction under the Bouncing Checks Law requires proof of written notice of dishonor actually received by the accused.
Witness Credibility vs Forensic Evidence: When Supreme Court Defers to Trial Court Findings
Philippine Supreme Court explains why witness credibility often outweighs forensic gaps in criminal convictions, citing Siccuan v. People.
Upholding Moral Standards Disbarment FOR Issuing Worthless Checks AND Subsequent Conviction OF Estafa
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.
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.
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.
No Damages for Accused: Criminal Courts Cannot Award Damages to the Accused in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that criminal courts cannot award damages to the accused in criminal cases, reversing libel conviction.
Reopening Closed Cases: The Strict Standards for Newly Discovered Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine courts rarely reopen final convictions. This article explains the strict rules for newly discovered evidence under Rule 121.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Attempted Murder Based on Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a school principal of attempted murder, ruling that hearsay and unverified confessions cannot support a conviction based on circumstantial evidence.
Habeas Corpus and DNA Evidence: Limits of Post-Conviction Remedies in Paternity-Based Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains when DNA evidence can—and cannot—challenge a final rape conviction through habeas corpus or new trial.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: Issuing a Bouncing Check
A lawyer's conviction for issuing a bouncing check under BP 22 involves moral turpitude and warrants disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Accountability on the Road: Determining Guilt in Group Violence
A look at how Philippine courts assign criminal liability when violence breaks out in a group, and what the law requires for a conviction.
Challenging Drug Possession Convictions Ensuring Constitutional Rights During Search AND Seizure
Deceptive Promises Estafa Conviction Despite Victims Naivete In Travel Agent Scam
Philippine Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction of fake travel agent, ruling that victims' gullibility does not absolve fraudsters of criminal liability.