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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Rape and Robbery: How Philippine Courts Determine Criminal Intent
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguished rape from robbery with rape, and why the accused's original intent matters in criminal prosecution.
Incestuous Rape: Parental Authority as Intimidation in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court ruled that a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter can substitute for force or intimidation in incestuous rape.
Positive Identification Overcomes Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibi in criminal cases, explained through a 1998 rape conviction.
In-Court Identification in Rape Cases: People v. Pacistol (G.R. 119074-75)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a victim's credible in-court identification can secure a rape conviction despite flawed police line-up procedures.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Understanding Consent
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how the law protects children and how consent is treated in such cases.
Rape by a Parent: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter substitutes for force in rape, affirming death penalty.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Legal Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that carnal knowledge of a mentally retarded woman whose mental age is below twelve constitutes rape.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains the two elements of statutory rape and why force, hymenal integrity, and spermatozoa are irrelevant.
Rape Conviction: Credible Testimony and Victims' Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how courts weigh victim testimony, the sweetheart defense, and damages awards.
Rape Conviction THE Importance OF Victim Identification AND Consummation IN Philippine LAW
Rape and Robbery: How Philippine Courts Handle Complex Criminal Cases
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how forcible abduction with rape and robbery charges are treated when multiple crimes arise from one criminal episode.
Defective Information in Rape Cases: Waiver and Amendment Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules on defective information in rape cases, waiver by failure to quash, and amendment of indefinite dates.
Granting Bail Without a Hearing: A Judge's Error and Its Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on a judge fined for granting bail in rape cases without a hearing, a grave error.
Rape Conviction Based on Sole Testimony: Understanding Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a rape conviction can rest on the complainant's sole testimony, and why alibi and denial fail against positive identification.
Rape Conviction and the Critical Role of Victim Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh victim testimony and credibility in rape cases, and why proof beyond reasonable doubt remains the cornerstone of conviction.
Consent Is Key: Understanding Rape and Consensual Sex in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains why lack of consent defines rape, using a robbery-with-rape case to clarify the law.
Rape Conviction: Slightest Penetration Suffices; Escape Injuries Count
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration consummates rape, and injuries from escaping the assault are chargeable to the rapist.
Rape THE Nuances OF Force AND Consent IN Philippine LAW
Rape Conviction Affirmed: When a Security Guard Becomes the Rapist
Explore the Supreme Court ruling in People v. Gomez on rape conviction, victim credibility, and the evidentiary weight of positive identification.
Consent and Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on rape underscores how victim credibility and positive identification shape convictions, offering key lessons for criminal law.
Rape Conviction: The Power of Victim Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh victim testimony and circumstantial evidence in rape cases, explained through People v. Gomez.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Fear and Moral Ascendancy Overcome Claim of Consensual Affair
Philippine Supreme Court affirms uncle's rape conviction, ruling that a victim's fear and an accused's moral ascendancy defeat claims of consent.
Rape by an Uncle: Moral Ascendancy and Abuse of Trust in Family Dynamics
A Supreme Court ruling on uncle-niece rape clarifies how moral ascendancy and intimidation satisfy the element of force in Philippine rape law.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Rape-Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence and conspiracy to convict in rape-homicide cases, explained through People v. Andal.