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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Retraction in Rape Cases: Why Recanted Affidavits Rarely Overturn a Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's recanted affidavit rarely defeats her sworn testimony in court.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification, rejecting the defenses of alibi and alleged due process violations.
Due Process in Custodial Investigation: When Lack of Counsel Does Not Void a Conviction
A conviction based on eyewitness testimony stands even if custodial rights were violated, as no confession was obtained.
Positive Identification and the Limits of Conspiracy in Criminal Convictions
A look at how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi and what proof conspiracy truly requires.
Retraction of Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility and the Quest for Justice
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's credibility and a guilty plea, and why proof of age matters for the death penalty.
Conspiracy and Positive Identification in Robbery with Homicide Cases
The Court upholds robbery-with-homicide convictions built on conspiracy and eyewitness identification, but clarifies that a paltik gun does not prove illegal possession.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Minor Victim’s Testimony in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, underscoring that a minor victim's straightforward testimony prevails over alibi and denial.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Due Process in Drug Sale Arrests
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies entrapment vs instigation in drug busts, affirming a buy-bust conviction for shabu sale.
Land Dispute Jurisdiction: How Assessed Value Decides Where to File
The Supreme Court in Aliabo v. Carampatan explains when a municipal trial court may hear a land dispute and why assessed value determines jurisdiction.
When the Supreme Court Corrects Aggravating Circumstances in Murder Convictions
A look at People v. Cachola, where the High Court affirmed murder convictions but corrected the trial court's appreciation of aggravating circumstances.
Statutory Rape Consenting Does NOT Matter When THE Victim IS Underage
Explaining why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape, and how Philippine courts distinguish attempted from consummated rape.
Parental Authority vs Child's Well-Being: Redefining Attempted Rape Boundaries
Supreme Court clarifies when rape is attempted, not consummated, and splits appellate jurisdiction in father-daughter abuse case.
Familial Betrayal and the Burden of Proof: Rethinking Rape Convictions in the Philippines
In People v. Freta, the Supreme Court reduced a father's death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove his daughter's minority.
Beyond Words: Establishing Rape Through Credible Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how credible witness testimony and circumstantial evidence can establish rape convictions.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Inconsistencies in Testimony Do Not Guarantee Reasonable Doubt
In People v. Caniezo, the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction despite minor inconsistencies in the victim's testimony and corrected the penalty and damages awarded.
Boastful Rapist's Conviction Upheld: Delay in Reporting Rape Explained by Threats
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite a five-year delay in reporting, ruling that credible threats explain the delay.
The Line Between Consensual Act and Rape: Establishing Carnal Knowledge Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes consummated rape, the proof required for conviction, and when the death penalty applies.
Adultery and Its Consequences: Honor, Outrage, and the Limits of Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
When a spouse kills a cheating partner caught in flagrante, Philippine law may spare them from prison—but only under strict conditions.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Derivative Suits AND Corporate Governance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies derivative suits, stockholder standing, and jurisdiction over intra-corporate disputes under RA 8799.
Protecting the Vulnerable: A Child's Testimony Can Be Enough for Rape Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a child victim's credible testimony, clarifying evidentiary rules for vulnerable witnesses.
Positive Identification and Treachery: The Murder Conviction of Arnel Mataro and Nick Perucho
How eyewitness identification and treachery secured murder convictions, and how damages were computed on appeal.
Curbing Forum Shopping Coslaps Jurisdiction AND Respect FOR Court Authority
Rape Conviction Stands But Death Penalty Reduced: Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Alleged in the Information
A rape conviction stands, but the Supreme Court reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because minority and relationship were not alleged in the information.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The High Standard for Rape Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine courts require proof beyond reasonable doubt for rape convictions. This article explains the standard and what it means for accusers and the accused.