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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Defining Acts of Lasciviousness: Why Intent and Proof Matter in Sexual Abuse Cases
In a 2002 ruling, the Supreme Court downgraded rape charges to acts of lasciviousness after finding the evidence insufficient to prove carnal knowledge.
Beyond Rape: When Lewd Acts Constitute Acts of Lasciviousness
The Supreme Court explains when lewd acts short of rape constitute acts of lasciviousness, and the penalties involved.
Minors Can File Acts of Lasciviousness Cases Independently: Key SC Ruling
A minor may file acts of lasciviousness complaints without parental assistance. The Supreme Court explains why judges must respect this right.
Breach of Trust: Examining the Boundaries of Sexual Abuse and Statutory Rape in Domestic Settings
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguishes statutory rape from acts of lasciviousness, and why a stepfather's breach of trust matters.
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 Conviction Requires Proof of Specific Dates Alleged in Information
Supreme Court ruling on proving specific dates in rape and acts of lasciviousness cases under Philippine law.
Rape vs Acts of Lasciviousness: Proving the Crime Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts distinguish rape from acts of lasciviousness and what evidence proves carnal knowledge beyond reasonable doubt.
Delayed Reporting and Sleep as Defense: When Rape Becomes Acts of Lasciviousness
A father's conviction for rape was reduced to acts of lasciviousness because the victim slept through the alleged assault. Explore the ruling.
People v. Laguerta: Why Clear Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Rape Cases
In People v. Laguerta, the Supreme Court acquitted a rape convict due to inconsistent victim testimony, convicting him instead of acts of lasciviousness.
Protecting the Defenseless: Upholding Conviction for Child Rape Despite Claims of Unreliable Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child of tender years can be a credible witness, upholding a conviction for acts of lasciviousness against a minor.
Child Witnesses and Acts of Lasciviousness: The Dulla Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child can testify and how acts of lasciviousness differ from rape in this 2000 ruling.
Rape Conviction Upheld: When Penetration Is Proven Beyond the Finger
Philippine Supreme Court explains why digital penetration plus penile entry constitutes rape, not just acts of lasciviousness.
Incestuous Acts of Lasciviousness: When Parental Authority Cannot Shield Abuse
Supreme Court clarifies that a father's lewd acts on his sleeping 13-year-old daughter constitute acts of lasciviousness, not RA 7610 violation.