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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Rape Conviction on Credible Testimony: Proving Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible testimony, proving qualifying circumstances, and the effect of R.A. 9346 on the death penalty.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Parental Authority, Consent, and the Law
Understand how Philippine courts treat incestuous rape by a father, the role of moral ascendancy, and the penalties imposed.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and Mental Capacity to Consent in the Philippines
In People v. Castro, the Supreme Court affirmed that sex with a mental retardate whose mental age is below 12 is statutory rape—consent is legally impossible.
Incestuous Rape Upholding THE Testimony OF Vulnerable Victims AND Addressing Familial Abuse
The Supreme Court affirms conviction for incestuous rape, underscoring the credibility of a minor victim's testimony and the State's duty to protect children from familial abuse.
Credibility Counts: Upholding Justice for Victims with Disabilities in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for qualified rape of his 11-year-old daughter, underscoring credibility and medical evidence.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Rape and Parental Betrayal in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 11-year-old daughter is qualified rape. The Supreme Court explains the rules on incestuous rape, penalty, and damages.
Rape Conviction of Mentally Disabled Victim: Credibility and Damages Explained
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible testimony of mentally disabled victim, awards civil, moral, and exemplary damages.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Law and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape rules under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, including penalties and damages for child victims.
Moral Ascendancy AND Incestuous Rape THE Fathers Influence ON A Childs Will
The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Cabanilla
In People v. Cabanilla, the Supreme Court rejected the sweetheart defense, showing why a claim of a love affair rarely defeats a credible rape charge.
Sweetheart Defense in Rape Cases: Why Consent Cannot Be Assumed from a Relationship
The Supreme Court explains why the sweetheart defense fails in rape cases and what constitutes valid consent under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Credibility OF Victims Testimony AND Sufficiency OF Evidence IN Rape Cases
Rape With Homicide: Defining Carnal Knowledge and the Threshold of Sexual Assault
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes carnal knowledge in rape with homicide, ruling that mere touching of the labia by an erect penis suffices for conviction.
Breach OF Trust Examining THE Legal Implications OF Parental Rape IN THE Philippines
A father convicted of simple rape despite charges of qualified rape; the Court explains why minority and relationship must both be proven.
Rape Conviction Requires Specificity Each Count A Separate Crime
Defining the Boundaries of Attempted Rape: Intent vs. Action in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lewd acts cross the line from acts of lasciviousness to attempted rape, examining intent and overt acts.
Why the Victim's Testimony Is Crucial in Philippine Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape victim's credible testimony can sustain a conviction even without corroborating evidence.
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.
Rape and the Qualifying Circumstance of Relationship: Proper Allegation for Death Penalty
In People v. Aguilar, the Supreme Court lowered a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the alleged relationship differed from the one proven.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Duty to Shield Children
The Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining why a child's consent is immaterial and why the law must shield the young.
Protecting Children: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Errors in Legal Citations
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of child's neighbor, clarifies correct law under RA 8353, and finds two counts of rape.
Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason: Evidence and Conviction in People v. Lindo
The Supreme Court clarifies rape of a person deprived of reason, evidence admissibility, and conviction standards in People v. Lindo.
Rape Conviction Stands Despite Technicality Protecting Minors IN THE Philippines
Moral Ascendancy vs Consent: Understanding Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies rape, attempted rape, and acts of lasciviousness under Philippine law, including the role of moral ascendancy and intimidation.