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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Credible Testimony Alone CAN Convict In Rape Cases Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone is sufficient to convict, reinforcing protections for survivors seeking justice.
Rape Conviction Upheld THE Importance OF Credible Witness Testimony AND Prompt Reporting IN Sexual Assault Cases
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and the Judge's Role
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that a credible victim's testimony alone suffices and that a judge who did not hear all witnesses can still validly decide.
Rape Conviction Upheld Intoxication AND THE Issue OF Consent
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Intact Hymen: The Role of Corroborating Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction even with intact hymen, explaining why full penetration is not required for consummation.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Duty to Protect Children From Abuse Within the Family
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a stepfather who raped his 9-year-old stepdaughter, underscoring the duty to protect children from abuse within the family.
Rape Conviction THE Importance OF Specificity IN Information AND Protection OF Minors
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Testimony of Child Rape Victims in Philippine Courts
How the Supreme Court affirmed a death sentence for raping a four-year-old, reinforcing rules on child testimony and credibility.
Rape With Deadly Weapon: Victim's Testimony Stands Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction with scythe, holding victim's credible testimony sufficient despite absence of weapon or physical evidence.
Statutory Rape: Why Consent Is Irrelevant When the Victim Is Under Twelve
Philippine law treats sex with a child under 12 as statutory rape—consent is immaterial. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Ablaneda.
Presence vs Participation: When Mere Presence Creates Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence at a crime scene constitutes conspiracy versus innocent observation, using a rape case as example.
Rape Conviction and Venue: When Aggravating Circumstances Must Be Alleged
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why aggravating circumstances like dwelling and nighttime must be alleged in the information to justify the death penalty.
Rape AND Minor Victims Consummation Credibility AND THE Reach OF THE LAW
Rape Conviction Overturned: The Critical Need for Explicitly Stating Aggravating Circumstances in Criminal Inf
Why the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua when aggravating circumstances weren't alleged in the Information.
Breach of Trust: Examining the Boundaries of Sexual Abuse and Statutory Rape in Domestic Settings
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguishes statutory rape from acts of lasciviousness, and why a stepfather's breach of trust matters.
Attempted Rape Conviction Affirmed: Court Explains Elements and Penalties
The Supreme Court affirms an attempted rape conviction, clarifying the elements, evidentiary standards, and penalties under Philippine law.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Attempted Rape: Credibility of Witnesses Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attempted rape, witness credibility, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
Credibility in Rape and Murder Cases: The Weight of a Witness's Testimony
In People v. Carpo, the Supreme Court upheld a conviction based on one eyewitness, showing how Philippine courts weigh testimony, alibi, and flight.
Incestuous Rape Protecting Victims Rights AND Ensuring DUE Process IN Criminal Prosecutions
Eyewitness Identification and Child Rape Testimony: Lessons from People v. Padilla
How Philippine courts assess a child rape victim's testimony, qualifying circumstances for death penalty, and evidentiary rules.
Rape and Consent: The Threshold of Penetration in Philippine Law
A soft penis can still consummate rape. The Supreme Court explains why the slightest penetration of the labia is enough, and why consent defenses often fail.
Breach of Trust Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Witnesses
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, even without eyewitnesses or medical examination.
The Weight of a Witness Conviction Based on Uncorroborated Testimony in Philippine Rape Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a single, credible victim testimony suffices to convict in rape cases, and why corroboration is not always required.
Reasonable Doubt and Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Balano
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and the absence of medical examination.