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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When a Quarrel Precedes an Attack, Treachery May Not Qualify a Killing as Murder
A prior heated argument can negate treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Circumstantial Evidence and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Justice in Criminal Cases
How Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, witness credibility, and reasonable doubt in criminal convictions.
Credibility of Witnesses: Relationship Does Not Imply Bias in Murder Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, relationship to victim, and alibi in murder case.
Statutory Rape by an Uncle: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction and Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for an uncle who raped his seven-year-old niece, clarifying rules on statutory rape, alibi, and damages.
Upholding the Testimony of Rape Victims: The Colisao Case and the Standard of Proof
The Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Abino clarifies the stringent standard of proof required in rape cases, emphasizing that conviction rests on credible evidence, not mere possibility.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Specific Allegations Protecting Due Process in Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits a father of rape because the prosecution failed to prove carnal knowledge and unconsciousness as specifically alleged.
Rape and Incest: Protecting Minors in Familial Abuse Cases
A father convicted of raping his 15-year-old daughter twice; the Supreme Court affirms conviction but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Rape Conviction Upheld Intimidation AS Force IN Cases Involving Minors
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Victim's Testimony and Corroborating Medical Evidence
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, relying on the victim's credible testimony and medical findings.
Premature Appeals and Waived Objections: Lessons from Abuyen v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court in Abuyen v. People upheld a direct assault conviction, emphasizing timely remedies and the weight given to trial court credibility findings.
Rape Convictions Hinge on Credible Victim Testimony: People v. Villaflores
A rape conviction requires clear, consistent victim testimony. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Villaflores.
Intact Hymen Does Not Preclude Rape Conviction: Slight Penetration Is Sufficient
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an intact hymen does not negate rape; even the slightest penetration of the female organ constitutes consummated rape.
Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Medios
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how credible eyewitness testimony, conspiracy, and treachery establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Father's Betrayal: Upholding Conviction in Incestuous Rape Despite Delayed Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father who raped his 14-year-old daughter, ruling that delayed reporting does not weaken an incestuous rape case.
The Perils of Silence: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting and Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions of an uncle despite delayed reporting, minor inconsistencies, and alibi, explaining why silence does not equal consent.
Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder Cases: People v. Manzano
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on a lone eyewitness's credible testimony and treachery, explaining key rules on alibi and damages.
Eyewitness Testimony VS Alibi Scrutinizing Credibility IN Murder Convictions
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Evidence: Credible Testimony Suffices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible testimony, not physical evidence, and the importance of proper allegation of qualifying circumstances.
Parental Authority and Rape: Why Minority Must Be Alleged in Qualified Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a father's conviction for raping his daughter was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua when her minority was not alleged.
Parental Authority VS Statutory Rape Allegation OF Minority Must BE Explicit FOR Qualified Rape Conviction
SC rules minority must be alleged in information for qualified rape; Laciste convicted of simple rape, not death penalty.
Rape Shield Protecting Child Victims AND Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on the credible testimony of a victim, explaining key evidentiary rules in Philippine rape cases.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: When Witness Testimony Prevails in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains why positive identification by eyewitnesses outweighs alibi and denial in murder cases, affirming a conviction for treachery.
Carnapping Conviction Valid Even Without Extrajudicial Confessions: Circumstantial Evidence Suffices
Conviction for carnapping with homicide can rest on circumstantial evidence even when confessions are thrown out. Learn the rules.
Intrafamilial Rape: Proving Guilt and the Nuances of Consent and Evidence
A father's rape conviction upheld on appeal, clarifying evidence rules, consent issues, and penalty requirements in incestuous rape cases.