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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Sweetheart Defense in Rape Cases: Why the Supreme Court Rejected It in People v. Dioquino
The Supreme Court affirms seven rape convictions, explaining why the sweetheart defense fails without corroborating evidence and how damages are computed.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Conviction on Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and circumstantial evidence in rape convictions, explained through a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Rape and Consent: Why Love Does Not Justify Sexual Assault in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that being sweethearts is not a license for non-consensual sex, upholding rape convictions and clarifying the sweetheart defense.
Rape of a Person with Mental Retardation: What People v. Bayrante Teaches
In People v. Bayrante, the Supreme Court affirmed rape convictions where the victim had mild mental retardation, ruling that mental deficiency negates consent.
Evidentiary Omissions and Rape Convictions: Lessons from People v. De Guzman
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite minor testimonial inconsistencies, clarifying the role of medical evidence and victim credibility.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: Slightest Penetration Suffices Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms statutory rape convictions, clarifying that slight penetration and credible child testimony are enough to convict.
Warrantless Arrest and Victim Identification in Robbery with Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a warrantless arrest is deemed waived and how victim identification is weighed in robbery with rape convictions.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Deadly Weapon in Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling credible victim testimony suffices and a proven knife threat justifies exemplary damages.
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.
Statutory Rape and Circumstantial Evidence: How Philippine Courts Weigh a Child's Testimony
In a 2026 ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed statutory rape convictions based largely on the child victim's testimony. Here is what the decision teaches.
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.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Minor Status No Shield for Uncles' Heinous Acts
Supreme Court affirms rape convictions of uncles who were minors at the time, ruling discernment removes exemption from liability.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction of Neighbor of Child Victim
The Court affirms two rape convictions against a neighbor of a six-year-old, clarifying penalties and damages in child rape cases.
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.