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.
Identifying a Rapist by Voice and Smell: Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's testimony, medical findings, and identification of the accused.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty for Rape of a Child Under Seven
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for the rape of a six-year-old child, clarifying rules on child testimony and proof of age.
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.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Fair Notice and Credibility in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains how due process and fair notice apply in rape charges, and why minor testimony inconsistencies do not defeat a conviction.
Rape and Incest: Consanguinity as an Aggravating Factor in Philippine Sexual Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, where a father's conviction was upheld but death penalty reduced to reclusion perpetua.
Defining Qualified Rape: The Critical Elements for Imposing the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape with homicide warrants the death penalty, requiring proof of both crimes beyond reasonable doubt.
Simple vs Qualified Rape: Why Allegations in the Information Matter
The Supreme Court explains why the death penalty for qualified rape requires both minority and relationship to be alleged in the information.
In-Court Identification Overcomes Police Lineup Doubts in Rape Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on police lineup identification, in-court testimony, and rape conviction under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code.
Rape and Consent: Examining Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for statutory rape of a six-year-old, clarifying that force is presumed when the victim is under twelve.
Rape and Consent: The Indelible Requirement of Free Will in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape, consent, and unconscious victims. Learn the legal standards and practical takeaways.
When Sexual Assault Is Acts of Lasciviousness, Not Attempted Rape: Perez v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness in a case with no eyewitnesses.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Witness Testimony Enough Despite Victim's Mental State
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on eyewitness testimony, ruling a victim's mental incapacity does not weaken prosecution evidence.
Incestuous Rape: The Gravity of Offenses and Improvident Guilty Pleas in Philippine Law
A father's guilty plea to raping his daughter tests the rules on capital offenses, searching inquiry, and penalties under Philippine law.
Rape and Stepfather Relationship: When Death Penalty Applies in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a stepparent's rape of a minor warrants death penalty versus simple rape.
The Perils of Alibi: Why Positive Identification Alone Cannot Guarantee Conviction
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite positive identification, emphasizing that the prosecution must prove force and intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape and Incest: Protecting Minors in Familial Abuse Cases
A father convicted of raping his 15-year-old daughter twice; the Supreme Court affirms conviction but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Statutory Rape by an Uncle: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction and Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for an uncle who raped his seven-year-old niece, clarifying rules on statutory rape, alibi, and damages.
Independent Civil Actions Under the Civil Code: No Reservation Needed, Even With a Pending Criminal Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil claims based on the Civil Code may proceed independently of criminal cases, with no prior reservation required.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Supreme Court on Uncorroborated Testimony and Victim Behavior
SC explains why a rape victim's testimony can stand alone, and why the death penalty needed the relationship alleged in the information.
Parental Authority VS Statutory Rape Allegation OF Minority Must BE Explicit FOR Qualified Rape Conviction
SC rules minority must be alleged in information for qualified rape; Laciste convicted of simple rape, not death penalty.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony: Supreme Court on Conflicting Evidence and Behavioral Expectations
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a victim's testimony prevails over alibi and why resistance is not always required.
Intact Hymen Does Not Negate Rape: SC Upholds Conviction But Reduces Death Penalty
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite intact hymen, but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua for lack of qualifying circumstances.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility: Reevaluating Guilt in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rape conviction standards, intact hymen evidence, and proper death penalty application in People v. Dayna.