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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Intellectual Disability and Witness Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a rape victim from testifying, provided her account is coherent and consistent.
Rape Conviction Upheld Clarifying THE Application OF Force AND Intimidation IN Sexual Assault Cases
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Conviction in Child Sexual Abuse Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for two counts of rape, clarifying conspiracy liability and the weight given to a minor victim's credible testimony.
Conspiracy and Rape: When Bystanders Become Co-Principals in Group Sexual Assault
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that a person who aids or abets rape through acts like recording or preventing rescue can be liable as a co-principal.
Protecting THE Vulnerable Upholding Convictions IN Cases OF Qualified Rape BY A Parent
Rape and Parental Authority: Why a Father's Conviction Stood as Simple Rape
A father raped his 16-year-old daughter twice. The Supreme Court upheld his conviction but kept it as simple rape because the information omitted his relationship. Here's why.
Protecting Children Parental Authority AND THE Crime OF Qualified Rape IN THE Philippines
When Forcible Abduction Is Absorbed by Rape: Key Ruling on Complex Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when forcible abduction with rape is actually simple rape, and explains the governing rules on victim testimony and damages.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force and Intimidation Defined in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies force and intimidation in rape cases, affirming a conviction and increasing damages awarded to the victim.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Protecting Children Under Philippine Law
Explaining statutory rape vs. acts of lasciviousness, and why an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and Moral Ascendancy in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how force, intimidation, and moral ascendancy satisfy the elements of rape under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and Moral Ascendancy in Sexual Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how force, intimidation, and moral ascendancy establish guilt in sexual abuse cases.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death Before Final Judgment in Statutory Rape Cases
Explaining how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability, including in statutory rape cases, and its effect on civil liability.
Moral Ascendancy in Statutory Rape: Redefining Intimidation in Familial Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that moral ascendancy replaces force or intimidation in rape by a common-law father, protecting minor victims.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Acquittal IN Rape Case Hinges ON Consensual Circumstances
When a Father's Denial Fails: Qualified Rape and Damages in People v. Mendoza
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of a father, clarifies force need not be proven in incestuous rape, and increases damages.
Conspiracy and Qualified Rape: Revisiting Liability in Group Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy upgrades rape to qualified rape and why an appellate court over-counted convictions.
Conspiracy and the Element of Force in Rape and Homicide Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, force, and proper charges in rape and homicide, modifying a conviction from simple to qualified rape.
Acquittal in Rape Case: The Crucial Role of Force, Threat or Intimidation
The Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused because the prosecution failed to prove force, threat, or intimidation, a required element of rape.
Breach of Trust Rape by a Relative and the Upholding of Victim Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of an uncle for qualified rape, explaining why a victim's credible testimony and fear can overcome defenses of alibi and denial.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: When Power Substitutes for Force Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court ruled that moral ascendancy can substitute for physical threat or intimidation in rape cases, protecting vulnerable victims.
Moral Ascendancy in Incestuous Rape: Upholding Protection for Child Victims
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for qualified rape, explaining how parental moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation.
Moral Ascendancy as Force in Parental Rape: Erosion of Trust in People v. Mayola
Father convicted of qualified rape: moral ascendancy substitutes for force, delay in reporting does not negate the crime.