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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Understanding Statutory Rape AND Sexual Assault IN THE Philippines Protecting Children
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.
Sexual Assault Credibility and Victim Rights in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts assess victim credibility in sexual assault cases, safeguard victim rights, and determine proper charges and penalties.
Acts of Lasciviousness vs Rape: When Touching Is Not Insertion in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when digital touching amounts to acts of lasciviousness rather than rape by sexual assault.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony, intimidation, and corroborating evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Exact Date Not Essential in Proving Sexual Assault
Philippine Supreme Court rules the precise date of rape is not an essential element; conviction stands on proof of penetration and intimidation.
Rape Shield Consent AND Credibility IN Sexual Assault Cases
People v. Abulon: Penetration, Consent, and Rape by Sexual Assault in the Family Home
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies when tongue insertion counts as rape, when it is acts of lasciviousness, and how a father's moral sway replaces force.
Rape by Sexual Assault: When Digital Penetration Constitutes Rape Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when inserting fingers into a victim's vagina constitutes rape by sexual assault, distinct from rape by sexual intercourse.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony Overcoming Inconsistencies in Rape Cases
How Philippine courts weigh a minor victim's credible testimony over minor inconsistencies, and the distinction between rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Credibility of Witnesses and Inconsistencies Between Affidavits and Court Testimony in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, affidavit-testimony inconsistencies, and penalties for rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Redefining Rape: Sexual Assault and Its Implications Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 redefined rape to include sexual assault by inserting fingers or objects into a victim's genital or anal orifice.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Minor's Testimony and the Failure of Alibi Defense
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for statutory rape and sexual assault, underscoring the credibility of a minor victim's testimony over a weak alibi defense.
Preliminary Investigation Rights and the Definition of Rape: Key Lessons from De Castro
Learn when the right to preliminary investigation is waived and why finger insertion constitutes rape through sexual assault under Philippine law.
Rape and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Sexual Assault in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction, clarifying how force and lack of consent are established in Philippine law.
Intimidation Over Resistance Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injury
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that intimidation can overcome the need to prove physical resistance or injury in a sexual assault case.
Sexual Assault and the Definition of Rape: Expanding Protection Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts interpret rape with homicide, custodial rights, and the evolving definition of sexual assault in criminal cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed THE Importance OF Credible Testimony IN Cases OF Sexual Assault
Rape Shield Under Scrutiny: Credibility in Sexual Assault Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on simple rape clarifies credibility standards, qualifying circumstances, and damages in sexual assault cases.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Credible Testimony Matters in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a victim's credible testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies, delay, and alibi.
Stepfather’s Deceit: Defining Rape and Protecting Children Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that slightest penile penetration consummates rape, and digital penetration is sexual assault.
Rape Conviction and Penalties Under RA 8353: Lessons from People v. Olaybar
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape and sexual assault penalties, and the evidentiary weight of a child victim's testimony.
Rape and the Absence of Consent: Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape and sexual assault elements, emphasizing that force is presumed when the victim is under 12.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Victim Credibility and Corroborating Evidence Matter
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, highlighting victim credibility, corroborating medical evidence, and mandatory civil indemnity in sexual assault cases.