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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Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal: When the Supreme Court May Allow It
The Supreme Court explains when a convicted person may withdraw an appeal, and why it granted withdrawal in a rape case despite the prosecution's opposition.
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: Proving Each Count Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court clarifies that in incestuous rape cases, each separate charge must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not just the overall pattern of abuse.
Rape Convictions: Each Count Needs Separate Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court clarifies that each rape count is a distinct crime requiring separate proof, acquitting the accused on one count.
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.
Incestuous Rape: The Standard of Proof for Multiple Charges in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that finger insertion and licking do not constitute rape under the old law, but may be acts of lasciviousness.
Rape Conviction Intact Hymen AND THE Nuances OF Attempted VS Consummated Rape Under Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an intact hymen does not negate consummated rape, and distinguishes attempted from consummated rape.
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.
Attempted Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Retraction and Blotter Gaps
Supreme Court affirms attempted rape conviction, explaining why recantations and police blotter entries carry little weight in Philippine criminal cases.
Breach of Trust: Revisiting Intrafamilial Rape and the Limits of Legal Proof
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite an intact hymen, but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua for a defective information.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Alibi Defense Scrutiny in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a credible victim's testimony prevails over alibi and denial defenses.
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.
The Right to Confrontation: Why Live Testimony Matters in Philippine Criminal Trials
The Supreme Court vacated a rape conviction because prosecutors used transcripts from another trial instead of presenting live witnesses, violating the accused's right to confrontation.
Right to Information: Accused Cannot Be Convicted of a Crime Not Clearly Charged
The Supreme Court reinstates a rape case, ruling an information need only state the essential elements, not every detail.
Rape of a Person with Mental Retardation: Lack of Consent and Legal Implications
Philippine Supreme Court rules sexual intercourse with a mental retardate is rape even without force, as she cannot validly consent.
Consent Under Scrutiny Safeguarding Rights IN Rape Cases Involving Alleged Mental Incapacity
Rape and the Burden of Proof: Consent and Minority in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, clarifying that mental retardation must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not presumed.
Consent Is Key: Understanding the Burden of Proof in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why proving lack of consent in rape cases requires credible evidence, not just allegations.
Rape and Mental Capacity: Understanding the Burden of Proof in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court acquittal clarifies when mental retardation must be proven to convict in rape cases, and why the prosecution's burden matters.
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 Intoxication AND Credibility OF Victims Testimony
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Based on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape-homicide accused where circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When Proof of Age Fails: Simple Rape Instead of Death in People v. Ochea
The Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because prosecutors failed to prove the victim's minority in a rape case.
Proving Minority in Qualified Rape Cases: The Ochea Standard
In People v. Ochea, the Supreme Court ruled that failure to prove the victim's minority bars conviction for qualified rape and the death penalty.