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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The Weight of Fear: Evaluating Delay in Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, victim credibility, and why delay in reporting does not weaken a case.
Intrafamilial Rape: Conviction Upheld on Minor's Credible Testimony and Parental Relationship
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father convicted of raping his 13-year-old daughter, relying on the victim's credible testimony and proven relationship.
When Silence Doesnt Mean Innocence: The Complexities of Self-Defense in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence or lack of resistance does not negate force in rape cases, affirming a father's conviction.
Rape and Consent: Understanding Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how force and intimidation prove rape without consent, and when minority aggravates the crime.
Dying Declarations and Juvenile Offenders: Defining Justice in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on a dying declaration but spares a 15-year-old from death.
Dying Declarations in Rape-Homicide: Admissibility and the Minor Offender's Penalty
A rape-homicide conviction anchored on the victim's dying declaration, and why the minor accused escaped the death penalty.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Credible Testimony Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony and threats, showing that medical evidence is not required to prove the crime.
Rape Conviction Requires Clear Allegations Understanding THE Importance OF Specificity IN Criminal Informations
Child Witness Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Alleged
How Philippine courts assess a child rape victim's testimony and why unalleged qualifying circumstances reduce the penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Identifying the Accused Beyond Uncertainty
How Philippine courts assess proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases, and why a child victim's clear testimony prevails over denial.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Penetration of Labia Minora Constitutes Carnal Knowledge
Supreme Court clarifies that penetration of the labia minora, even without full vaginal entry, satisfies the carnal knowledge requirement for rape.
Identifying a Rapist by Voice and Smell: Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's testimony, medical findings, and identification of the accused.
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.
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 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 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.