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.
The Perils of Alibi: Positive Identification Overrides Defense in Robbery and Rape Case
In People v. Gayeta, the Supreme Court affirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over an alibi defense in robbery and rape convictions.
The Critical Element of Penile Penetration in Statutory Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that in statutory rape, each count requires proof of penile penetration, even when the victim is below 12.
Rape and Moral Ascendancy: Consent, Credibility, and the Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Law
A 2008 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how moral ascendancy, intimidation, and credibility shape rape convictions and the sweetheart defense.
Unraveling Reasonable Doubt: The Role of DNA Evidence in Rape Cases
Explore how Philippine courts weigh DNA evidence and credible testimony in rape convictions, as shown in People v. Tuazon.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Not Consent, Decides Gang Rape Case
Supreme Court affirms gang rape convictions, ruling that force was present despite defense claims of consent and victim's reputation.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and the Anti-Death Penalty Law
The Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape convictions, upholds the victim's credible testimony, and applies the Anti-Death Penalty Law.
Overt Acts and Intent: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when acts amount to attempted rape and when they only constitute light coercion.
When Moral Ascendancy Substitutes for Force in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains how a father figure's moral ascendancy can substitute for force and intimidation in rape convictions.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injury in Familial Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, physical injury not required, and the moral ascendancy doctrine in incest cases.
Rape Conviction on Circumstantial Evidence and the Protection of Child Victims in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts handle rape convictions based on circumstantial evidence and safeguard child victims in the justice system.
Child's Testimony and Unusual Behavior: When Rape Convictions Stand on Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a child's testimony can sustain a rape conviction despite claims of unusual behavior.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Corroborating Testimony and Rejecting the Sweetheart Defense
How Philippine courts weigh victim credibility, corroborating medical evidence, and the sweetheart defense in rape convictions.
Rape Information Defects and Statutory Rape Convictions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on defective rape informations, statutory rape elements, and penalties for common-law stepfathers.
The Weight of Fear: Evaluating Delay in Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, victim credibility, and why delay in reporting does not weaken a case.
Incestuous Rape: Supreme Court Upholds Convictions, Reduces Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape convictions but reduces death sentences to reclusion perpetua, clarifying penalty rules and victim rights.
Why Precise Rape Charges Matter: The Right to Be Informed of the Accusation
The Supreme Court nullified rape convictions where complaints said only "sexual abuse," upholding the accused's constitutional right to know the charge.
Perfecting Appeals and Court Jurisdiction: What Rape Convictions Teach About Proper Allegations
Learn how the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to allege the victim's minority.
Reasonable Doubt and the Limits of Sole Identification in Rape Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on alibi, positive identification, and the elements of robbery with rape under Article 294.
Rape and Delayed Reporting: Credibility in Familial Abuse Cases
A stepfather's 32 rape convictions upheld despite delayed reporting; the Court explains why delay is not fatal to credibility in familial abuse.
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.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Force and Intimidation in Consensual Relationships
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling that force and intimidation are relative and can exist even without a weapon, especially when the victim is young and alone.
Credibility of Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: People v. Calimlim
The Supreme Court affirms four rape convictions, explaining how trial courts weigh victim credibility, alibi, and the limits of the death penalty.
Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Incestuous and Family Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy and intimidation can substitute for physical force in rape convictions.
The Power of a Child's Testimony in Sustaining Rape Convictions Based on Credible Accounts
How a seven-year-old's clear and consistent testimony can sustain a rape conviction, even without a broken hymen.