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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Threat of Force Nullifies Consent: Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Lack of Physical Resistance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling threats of death negate consent and proving force is unnecessary in statutory rape.
Statutory Rape Conviction and the Strict Reading of Qualifying Circumstances in Informations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like step-parentage must be precisely alleged in the information to justify the death penalty.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: Penetration, Alibi, and the Child Victim's Word
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, clarifying that slight penetration suffices and a child's candid testimony prevails over alibi.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: When a Child's Testimony Convicts
In Villafuerte, the Supreme Court upheld a statutory rape conviction based largely on a child's testimony, clarifying what proof of penetration requires.
Incestuous Rape Credibility of Testimony and Establishing the Qualifying Circumstance
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape, credibility of a child victim's testimony, and the need to prove qualifying circumstances for the death penalty.
Statutory Rape and the Need for Specific Allegations in Criminal Informations
The Supreme Court explains why precise dates and specific allegations in rape informations are crucial for due process and conviction.
Parental Betrayal and Rape: When a Stepfather's Crime Redefines Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape, qualifying circumstances, and why a stepfather's conviction for simple rape, not death, underscores due process.
Statutory Rape: Why Physical Injury Is Irrelevant for Victims Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains why an intact hymen does not negate statutory rape of a child under twelve, and what evidence matters.
Rape Conviction and Penalties Under RA 8353: Lessons from People v. Olaybar
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape and sexual assault penalties, and the evidentiary weight of a child victim's testimony.
Rape and Proof of Minority: Protecting Victims and Ensuring Justice in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that in statutory rape cases, the victim's minority must be proven beyond reasonable doubt by independent evidence.
Father's Betrayal: Revisiting Rape Conviction, Victim's Testimony, and Age Proof
A father's rape conviction was modified when the prosecution failed to prove the victim's age, highlighting the importance of evidence in statutory rape cases.
Rape in Philippine Law: Why Full Penetration Is Not Required
The Supreme Court ruled that the slightest entry of the male organ into the labia consummates rape, and that age in statutory rape must be strictly proven.
Rape and the Absence of Consent: Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape and sexual assault elements, emphasizing that force is presumed when the victim is under 12.
Rape Information Defects and Statutory Rape Convictions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on defective rape informations, statutory rape elements, and penalties for common-law stepfathers.
Rape Conviction Credibility of Testimony and Proof of Minority in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's death sentence for raping his 10-year-old daughter, clarifying rules on witness credibility and proof of minority.
Rape and the Burden of Proof: Establishing Minority in Statutory Rape Cases
In People v. Tupaz, the Supreme Court ruled that a rape victim's bare testimony of her age is insufficient to prove minority for the death penalty.
When Silence Speaks: Delayed Reporting, Statutory Rape, and the Pursuit of Justice
Exploring how delayed reporting affects statutory rape cases, the credibility of victims, and the pursuit of justice under Philippine law.
Rape Intimidation As A Substitute FOR Physical Resistance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intimidation and moral ascendancy can substitute for physical resistance in statutory rape cases.
Statutory Rape: Why Pleading Qualifying Circumstances in the Information Matters
A Supreme Court ruling shows why prosecutors must allege both the victim's minority and relationship to the accused to justify the death penalty.
Statutory Rape and Parental Authority: Why the Supreme Court Upheld a Father's Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining how parental moral ascendancy substitutes for force and why proof of age matters for the death penalty.
Rape and Consent: Examining Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for statutory rape of a six-year-old, clarifying that force is presumed when the victim is under twelve.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Mandatory Death Penalty
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for statutory rape of a six-year-old, explaining the rules on victim credibility and damages.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Specificity: Charges Define the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why specific allegations in rape informations matter, and how penetration is proven in statutory rape cases.
Protecting Children Statutory Rape AND THE Limits OF Parental Authority IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that parental authority does not allow a father to commit statutory rape against his own child.