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.
Understanding Qualified Rape Legal Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
This article examines a landmark Supreme Court ruling on qualified rape, explaining the legal principles and practical implications.
Understanding Consent and Force in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies force, threat, intimidation, and the "sweetheart theory" in rape convictions under Article 266-A of the RPC.
Consent and Intoxication in Rape Cases: Key Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine law on rape and intoxication: when severe drunkenness or unconsciousness negates consent, and why credible testimony can convict.
Understanding the Elements of Rape and the Power of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling explains the elements of rape and why a credible victim's testimony can be enough to convict.
Insanity Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: Key Insights from People v. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity can exempt an accused from criminal liability in rape cases, and why the defense failed in this case.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.
Statutory Rape and Intellectual Disability: The Villena Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that rape of an intellectually disabled person with a mental age below 12 constitutes statutory rape under Philippine law.
Force and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Licaros
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Licaros clarifies how force and intimidation are proven in rape cases, emphasizing the power of a victim's credible testimony.
Understanding Rape Convictions: Victim Testimony and Legal Standards in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying how victim testimony, force, and identity are assessed under Philippine law.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how moral ascendancy can replace force or intimidation in rape cases involving relatives.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: What People v. XXX Means for Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a relative's moral ascendancy can substitute for force or intimidation in proving qualified rape.
The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Teaches Us
The sweetheart defense cannot justify rape. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled and why consent matters in Philippine law.
Proving Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Philippine courts require strict authentication of foreign divorce decrees and the alien spouse's national law before a Filipino can remarry.
Moral Ascendancy and Statutory Rape: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and recantation are treated under Philippine law.
Consent and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court acquitted in a rape case, showing how weak proof of force or intimidation can defeat a criminal charge.
Understanding Disability Benefits for Seafarers: A Guide to Legal Rights and Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarer disability benefits, appeal periods, and the difference between CBA accident claims and POEA-SEC compensation.
Slightest Penetration Rule in Philippine Rape Law: What It Means
Philippine law treats rape as consummated by the slightest penetration, even mere touching of the labia majora. Here's what the Supreme Court ruled.
Rape vs. Lascivious Conduct: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual acts against minors are rape or lascivious conduct under RA 7610.
Understanding Kidnapping for Ransom: Legal Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the elements of kidnapping for ransom under Philippine law and why alibis rarely prevail against positive identification.
Divorce Abroad: How Philippine Courts Recognize Foreign Decrees After Galapon v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees obtained jointly by a Filipino and alien spouse may be recognized under Article 26(2) of the Family Code.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Child Victim Testimony and Flight as Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices and why the accused's flight indicates guilt.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
Distinguishing Child Abuse From Physical Injuries: Intent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every injury to a minor is child abuse; specific intent to debase or demean must be proven.
Unlawful Restraint Establishing Intent in Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention
The Supreme Court explains how acts of clubbing, sacking, and carrying a victim establish the intent to deprive liberty under Article 267.