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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Moral Ascendancy in Statutory Rape: Redefining Intimidation in Familial Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that moral ascendancy replaces force or intimidation in rape by a common-law father, protecting minor victims.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor lapses in drug evidence procedure do not automatically acquit an accused if the evidence's integrity remains intact.
Discernment Requirement for Minors: Key Lessons from Dorado v. People
Supreme Court clarifies that discernment, not intent, determines criminal liability of minors aged 15-18 under RA 9344.
Protecting Minors Conviction Upheld IN Child Abuse AND Qualified Rape Case
Overcoming Silence Credibility IN Rape Cases Involving Minors AND Step Parents
Protecting the Vulnerable: Conviction Upheld for Rape of a Minor
Supreme Court affirms rape convictions of two men against a 13-year-old, clarifying rules on victim testimony, resistance, and damages.
Credibility of a Rape Survivor's Positive Identification and Corroborating Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how a victim's credible, positive identification and corroborating evidence outweigh defenses of denial and minor inconsistencies.
Rape Conviction Upheld Minors ACT OF Discernment Overrides Youthful Mitigation
Supreme Court affirms gang rape convictions of minors, ruling discernment negates the mitigating effect of minority under juvenile justice law.
Rape AND THE Burden OF Proof Establishing Minority IN Qualified Rape Cases
Kidnapping Conviction Upheld: Minor Witness Inconsistencies Do Not Automatically Exonerate Accused
Philippine Supreme Court rules minor inconsistencies in witness statements do not automatically exonerate an accused in kidnapping for ransom cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Minor Gaps Won't Overturn a Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when minor inconsistencies in drug evidence handling won't break the chain of custody and overturn a conviction.
Upholding Justice for Child Victims: Parental Authority and the Crime of Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for qualified rape of his minor daughter, clarifying evidentiary rules and penalties.
Inconsistent Testimony Does NOT Automatically Break Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court rules that minor inconsistencies in witness testimony do not automatically break the chain of custody in drug cases.
Substantial vs Minor Breach of Contract: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law on when a contract breach justifies rescission: substantial vs minor violations explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Guardian Convicted of Qualified Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Against Minor
Supreme Court affirms conviction of a guardian for qualified rape of his 11-year-old ward, explaining key rules on statutory rape, delay in reporting, and damages.
Incestuous Rape: Upholding Parental Moral Ascendancy and Protecting Minor Victims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a father figure, clarifying force, minority as aggravating circumstance, and damages.
Chain of Custody and Its Impact on Illegal Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and when minor lapses will not defeat a drug conviction.
Right to Inspect Corporate Books: Protecting Minority Stockholders' Interests in Philippine Corporations
A stockholder's right to inspect corporate books under the Corporation Code, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Terelay Investment v. Yulo.
Rape Conviction: Proving Minority and Relationship for Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies that for qualified rape, the victim's minority and the offender's relationship must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony Prevails Over Minor Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not impair credibility when the essential facts are clearly established.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery: Upholding Murder Conviction Despite Credibility Challenges
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on credible eyewitness testimony, explaining how treachery qualifies the crime and why minor inconsistencies do not defeat a prosecution.
Rape by Sexual Assault: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Incest Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how rape by sexual assault is proven and penalized when a father assaults his minor daughter.
Acts of Lasciviousness: When a Minor's Testimony Suffices and How RA 7610 Applies
A father's conviction for acts of lasciviousness affirmed—when a child's lone testimony suffices and how RA 7610 sets the penalty.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: What People v. Cunanan Means for Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying buy-bust arrests, chain of custody rules, and why minor lapses do not automatically acquit.