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.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: How Philippine Courts Balance Justice and Due Process in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial confessions are admissible and how circumstantial evidence can sustain a conviction in rape with homicide.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Voluntary Statements vs Custodial Interrogation
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a confession is admissible and when custodial interrogation rights apply, using a rape-homicide case.
Rape Conviction Affirmed THE Critical Role OF Victim Testimony IN Statutory Rape Cases
Justice Prevails Circumstantial Evidence AND THE Pursuit OF Truth IN Criminal Law
A grandfather's rape conviction affirmed by the Supreme Court, showing how Philippine courts weigh a child victim's testimony against denial.
Rape Intimidation AND THE Absence OF Consent Protecting Victims IN THE Philippines
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty for Incestuous Rape of a Minor
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a grandfather who raped his six-year-old granddaughter, reinforcing legal protections for minors.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Intimidation AS Sufficient Force IN Sexual Assault Cases
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Preservation of Child Welfare in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms six counts of statutory rape, underscoring that a child's consent is immaterial and that young victims' testimony deserves full credence.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms six convictions for statutory rape, clarifying how Philippine law protects minors and assesses child testimony.
Moral Ascendancy as a Substitute for Force in Child Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an uncle's moral ascendancy over a child victim substitutes for force or intimidation in statutory rape.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape-Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, not direct testimony, in People v. Felixminia.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Explained
Learn how Philippine courts establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases, from victim testimony to the prosecution's burden of proof.
Parental Authority vs. Child's Rights: Redefining Consent in Statutory Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a stepfather's common-law status affects rape penalties, not the victim's consent or conviction.
Why Prosecutors Must Present Evidence in Rape Cases: Lessons from Merciales v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on prosecutorial duty, state witnesses, and due process in rape with homicide cases.
Upholding DUE Process When Acquittal Isnt Always Final IN Rape With Homicide Cases
Incestuous Rape Ensuring Voluntariness AND Comprehension IN Guilty Pleas FOR Capital Offenses
Beyond THE Allegation Proving Rape AND Protecting Rights IN THE Philippines
Statutory Rape: Why Proving Familial Relationship Matters in Aggravated Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows that in statutory rape, the qualifying circumstance of relationship must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely alleged.
Diminished Conviction Reassessing Guilt IN Rape Homicide Cases Based ON Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies that circumstantial evidence can prove murder but not rape, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Alone Can Uphold Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, and why death penalty requires minority alleged in information.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Specific Allegations Protecting the Rights of the Accused
The Supreme Court vacated a death sentence for incestuous rape because the trial court failed to conduct a searching inquiry into the accused's guilty plea.
Rape Conviction Upheld BUT Death Penalty Reduced THE Importance OF Proving Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion temporal after finding the prosecution failed to prove robbery and nighttime as aggravating circumstances.
Statutory Rape Penetration IS Required FOR Consummation Attempted Rape Defined
The Supreme Court clarifies that penetration, not mere touching, is required for consummated statutory rape, explaining attempted rape rules.