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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Rape or Child Abuse? How the Supreme Court Draws the Line Under RA 7610
In People v. Abay, the Supreme Court clarified when sexual abuse of a minor is prosecuted as rape and when it falls under RA 7610.
Child Abuse Verbal Threats AND Physical Harm Constitute Violations OF R A NO 7610
Consensual Sex With a Minor: Differentiating Child Abuse and Sexual Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies when consensual sex with a minor is "other sexual abuse" under R.A. 7610, not mere child abuse under Section 10(a).
Forcible Embrace of a Minor Constitutes Child Abuse Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court rules that a forcible embrace of a minor is child abuse under RA 7610, even without proof of developmental prejudice.
Beyond Sweetheart Defense: RA 7610 Protects Minors in Professor-Student Relationships
The Supreme Court ruled that a minor's consent is immaterial in child abuse cases under RA 7610, rejecting the sweetheart defense in professor-student relationships.
Acts of Lasciviousness as a Lesser Included Offense in Philippine Child Abuse Cases
When rape isn't proven, Philippine courts may convict for acts of lasciviousness under RA 7610. Learn the rules from a landmark case.
Protecting Child Victims: Balancing Privacy and Public Access in Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cabalquinto protects child abuse victims' identities while affirming a father's rape conviction.
Protecting Children How Courts Ensure Fair Charges In Abuse Cases
Learn how Philippine courts uphold fair charges in child abuse cases, with insights from a Supreme Court administrative ruling.
Protecting Children: Defining Lascivious Conduct and Child Abuse Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct and child abuse under RA 7610, protecting minors from sexual exploitation.
Parental Authority and Child Abuse: Defining the Limits of Incestuous Rape
In incestuous rape cases, the victim's minority and relationship to the offender must be proven beyond reasonable doubt for the death penalty to apply.
Rape Charge Reduced to Acts of Lasciviousness Under the Child Abuse Law
When the prosecution failed to prove carnal knowledge, the Supreme Court convicted the accused of acts of lasciviousness under the Child Abuse Law instead of rape.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Credible Testimony Outweighs Physicians Doubts In Child Abuse Cases
Supreme Court affirms father's rape conviction, ruling a child victim's credible testimony outweighs conflicting medical findings in incest cases.
Parental Authority vs Child Abuse: Examining the Limits of Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine law defines the line between lawful parental discipline and child abuse. Learn the legal standards, penalties, and practical guidance.
Parental Authority vs Child Abuse: Trust and Protection Boundaries
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father who raped his 9-year-old daughter, clarifying parental authority does not excuse incestuous rape.
Parental Authority and Child Abuse: Upholding Protection of Children Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a father's moral ascendancy cannot excuse acts of lasciviousness against his child under R.A. 7610.
Rape, Parental Authority, and Moral Ascendancy in Child Abuse Cases
How moral ascendancy and parental authority establish force in rape cases, and why the Supreme Court reduced the death penalty.
Child Abuse Convictions Upheld: Parricide and Homicide in the Cariquez Case
The Supreme Court affirms parricide and homicide convictions of a mother and her partner for the fatal abuse of a 2-year-old child, clarifying key rules on circumstantial evidence and penalties.
Child Abuse and Parricide: Understanding the Legal Consequences in the Philippines
A father's brutal killing of his two-year-old son led to a parricide conviction. Learn the legal rules and penalties.