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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Mental Capacity and Witness Testimony: Protecting Vulnerable Victims in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mental retardates as credible witnesses in rape cases, with practical guidance for prosecutors and defenders.
When Parental Authority Becomes Criminal Abuse: Rape by a Father in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 12-year-old daughter leads to reclusion perpetua, not death, because the minority was not alleged in the information.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Statutory Rape Cases: People v. Arco
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, clarifying how courts assess the credibility of a child witness's testimony.
Protecting Children: Understanding the Crime of Rape and Parental Liability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle rape cases, the rules on witness credibility, and what parents should know about liability.
Philippine Rape Law: Why Properly Charging Qualifying Circumstances Can Be a Matter of Life or Death
A rape conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because a qualifying circumstance wasn't alleged in the information. Learn why precise charging matters.
Unconscious Victim Rape Conviction and Witness Credibility in Philippine Law
Explaining People v. Villanos, where the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based on an unconscious victim's testimony and credibility findings.
Beyond Eyewitnesses: Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining what this means for criminal prosecutions in the Philippines.
Rape of a Person With Schizophrenia: Consent and Legal Capacity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape of a schizophrenia patient, consent, and legal capacity under Article 335.
Precision in Charges: How a Flaw in a Rape Indictment Spared a Defendant from Death Penalty in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. San Juan clarifies how a defective rape indictment affects penalties and due process.
Positive Eyewitness ID Trumps Alibi Conviction Upheld IN Philippine Robbery Rape Case
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of nurse-aide who assaulted a schizophrenic patient, rejecting alibi and upholding the victim's positive identification.
Rape AND THE Betrayal OF Trust Examining THE Conviction OF A Common LAW Spouse
Rape and Incest: The Importance of Specific Allegations in Rape Cases With Incestuous Elements
In People v. Antonio, the Supreme Court affirmed three rape convictions, clarified conspiracy versus accomplice liability, and restated the damages owed to a rape victim.
Parental Authority vs Incestuous Rape: Clarifying Proof and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of incestuous rape, the weight of parental authority, and the proper penalties under Philippine law.
The Price of Silence: Witness Credibility and the Duty to Report in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's silence and lack of immediate report do not destroy credibility.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape, Credible Testimony, and the Weight of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explaining evidentiary rules, alibi, and damages.
Incestuous Rape Conviction: Corroborated Testimony of Victim and Eyewitness Sustains Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a father's death sentence for raping his 11-year-old daughter, relying on the victim's credible testimony corroborated by an eyewitness.
Protecting Child Rape Victims: Why Precision in Criminal Charges Matters
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction but spares his life because the information misstated his relationship to the victim.
Protecting Vulnerable Victims: Consent and Jurisdiction in Rape Cases Involving Mental Retardation
The Supreme Court clarifies that a rape complaint filed by police is valid when the victim is mentally incapacitated, affirming conviction.
Protecting THE Vulnerable Consent AND Justice FOR Victims With Mental Retardation IN Rape Cases
Rape Conviction Reversal: Why Victim Conduct After the Alleged Assault Matters
Philippine Supreme Court reverses rape conviction, ruling that a complainant's post-incident behavior—writing to and seeking out the accused—can cast reasonable doubt on credibility.
When an Honest Mistake Becomes a Crime: Rape, Consent, and Credibility in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, explaining how a complainant's conduct—before and after the alleged assault—can create reasonable doubt.
Incestuous Rape Cases Proving Familial Relationship AND Victims AGE
Breaking the Silence: Understanding Rape Convictions in the Philippines — People v. Santos
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining the law on statutory rape, delayed reporting, and victim credibility.
Forcible Abduction and Rape: When "Elopement" Is Actually a Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forcible abduction, rape, and grave coercion in People v. De Lara, distinguishing consensual elopement from criminal force.