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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Statutory Rape vs. Rape by Sexual Assault: What Child Victims' Cases Teach Us
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between statutory rape and rape by sexual assault in cases involving child victims.
Statutory Rape: Why Prosecutors Must Investigate All Alleged Incidents
The Supreme Court reminds prosecutors to investigate every alleged incident of statutory rape, not just one count, in People v. Pagamucan.
Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation: Stepfather's Abuse of Authority in Rape Cases
Stepfather's moral ascendancy can substitute for force or intimidation in rape, explains the Supreme Court in People v. Austria.
Robbery with Rape: Proving Intent and Credibility of Victim Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery with rape conviction, explaining how intent to rob and credible victim testimony establish guilt.
Minor Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility and Its Impact on Justice
How courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, why it can sustain a conviction, and the rules on alibi, force, and damages.
Breach of Trust: Legal Consequences of Stepparent Rape in the Philippines
A stepfather's rape of his minor stepdaughter is qualified rape, warranting reclusion perpetua without parole. This case explains the law.
Moral Ascendancy AS Substitute FOR Violence Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Recantation
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on moral ascendancy, not physical force, despite victim's recantation.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Victim Testimony and Credibility Matter in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony outweighs denial, alibi, and inconclusive medical findings.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Child Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh a victim's positive identification against an alibi defense in child rape cases under RA 7610.
Protecting Childhood Conviction Stands In Statutory Rape Case Despite Lack Of Fresh Medical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court affirms statutory rape conviction based on credible child testimony, ruling medical evidence is not indispensable.
Protecting Children Statutory Rape AND Acts OF Lasciviousness Under Philippine LAW
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: RA 7610 and Child Testimony Explained
The Supreme Court affirms a triple statutory rape conviction, clarifying RA 7610, child testimony, and damages for child victims.
Statutory Rape Conviction Affirmed: Child Victim's Sole Testimony Sufficient
Supreme Court affirms statutory rape conviction, ruling a credible child victim's testimony alone suffices even without medical examination.
Moral Ascendancy in Qualified Rape: How Step-Parents Breach Trust
The Supreme Court affirms that a step-parent's moral ascendancy can substitute for force and intimidation in qualified rape cases.
Qualified Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Step-Parent Abuse
Step-parent moral ascendancy can substitute for force in qualified rape, as shown in People v. De Guzman.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Rape Cases Despite Inconsistencies in Time
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, clarifying that exact dates need not be precise.
Stepfathers Betrayal Upholding THE Conviction FOR Rape Based ON Credible Testimony AND Medical Evidence
Inconsistencies in a Rape Victim's Testimony Do Not Destroy Credibility
The Supreme Court ruled that minor inconsistencies in a child rape victim's testimony, including uncertainty over dates, do not destroy her credibility.
Unconscious Victim and Rape Conviction: Article 266-A Explained
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions where the victim was unconscious, explaining Article 266-A and damages in People v. Carillo.
SC Upholds Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a victim's testimony do not undermine credibility when the account is coherent and believable.
Statutory Rape and Rape by Sexual Assault: Penalties and Damages Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties and damages for statutory rape and rape by sexual assault against minors under Philippine law.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Duty of Moral Ascendancy in Familial Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a father's rape conviction, explaining why moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous abuse.
Upholding the Credibility of a Rape Victim's Testimony and the Burden of Proof
In People v. Amar, the Supreme Court convicted a father of raping his daughter, showing how moral ascendancy substitutes for force and how denial and alibi fail.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Consistent Testimony and Medical Evidence Matter
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how a victim's consistent testimony and medical findings prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.