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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Masturbation in a Child's Presence Is Child Abuse Under RA 7610: De Vera v. People
The Supreme Court rules that masturbating in front of a minor is psychological abuse under Section 10(a) of RA 7610, not mere unjust vexation.
Understanding Statutory Rape: Protecting Minors and Legal Implications
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape under -A(1)(d) of the Revised Penal Code, emphasizing that carnal knowledge of a child under 12 is always rape.
Understanding Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Protecting Minors Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors in People v. Jagdon, Jr.
Rape Convictions and RA 7610: When the Law Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when RA 7610 applies to sexual abuse of minors, distinguishing it from rape under the Revised Penal Code.
Understanding Incestuous Rape Legal Insights AND Protections FOR Minors IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms 14 convictions for incestuous rape of minors, explaining the legal elements, penalties, and why a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force.
Understanding Qualified Rape of a Minor: Insights from People v. Manlolo
A father's conviction for raping his 6-year-old daughter clarifies the rules on qualified rape, victim testimony, and damages in the Philippines.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: The Power of a Child's Testimony
A child's credible testimony can convict in statutory rape cases, even with minor inconsistencies. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Consent and Vulnerability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how consent does not negate trafficking when victims are vulnerable minors recruited for sexual exploitation.
Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Protecting Minor Victims in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a bar manager for qualified trafficking in persons involving a minor victim.
Rape vs. Lascivious Conduct: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual acts against minors are rape or lascivious conduct under RA 7610.
Understanding Consent and Detention: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Kidnapping Case
The Supreme Court acquits a man of kidnapping, clarifying that mere elopement and a minor's unfamiliarity with a place do not automatically constitute illegal detention.
Protecting Minors: Lascivious Conduct and the Scope of R.A. 7610 in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when acts of lasciviousness against minors fall under R.A. 7610, and the proper penalties.
Protecting Children Upholding Convictions FOR Rape AND Lasciviousness IN THE Home
The Supreme Court affirms rape and lasciviousness convictions, clarifying the applicable law for sexual abuse of minors under RA 7610 and the Revised Penal Code.
Protecting Children: SC Clarifies Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors, and the penalties for child sexual abuse.
Conspiracy and Intent: When Multiple Assaults Do Not Prove Discernment in Minors
The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to kill and conspiracy do not automatically prove a minor's discernment, requiring separate proof for criminal liability.
Recruiting Minors for Criminal Activities Is Trafficking Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules that recruiting minors to commit robberies constitutes qualified trafficking in persons under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Minor's Consent No Defense: Trafficking Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld a qualified trafficking conviction, ruling that a minor's consent is no defense when she is exploited for prostitution.
Eradicating Exploitation: Trafficking of Minors and the Protective Laws of the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that confidential informants are not indispensable in trafficking cases, upholding a conviction based on the victim's testimony.
Qualified Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Child Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's clear testimony outweighs a father's denial and alibi.
Qualifying Circumstances in Rape: When Minority and Relationship Raise the Penalty
The Supreme Court explains when rape is qualified by minority and relationship, and the damages a convicted offender must pay.
Distinguishing Child Abuse From Physical Injuries: Intent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every injury to a minor is child abuse; specific intent to debase or demean must be proven.
Protecting Children: Lascivious Conduct and the Boundaries of Child Abuse Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple rape and sexual abuse under RA 7610, and the rules on proving a victim's minority.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
Gross Misconduct Dismissal for Rape of Minor Inside Hall of Justice Premises
Court personnel who commit rape inside the Hall of Justice face dismissal for gross misconduct, forfeiture of benefits, and perpetual disqualification.