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 Conviction Affirmed: Force, Penetration, and Damages Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what proves rape in the Philippines, when aggravating circumstances apply, and the proper awards for damages.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Looks At
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why victim testimony alone can secure a conviction.
Inadmissible Confessions and Rape Convictions: Lessons from People v. Antipona
A father's rape conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, clarifying evidentiary rules and damages in incestuous rape cases.
When One Witness Is Enough: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
A single credible witness can sustain a conviction in the Philippines. This article explains the rules on positive identification and alibi.
Rape and Consent: How Philippine Law Treats Force, Intimidation, and a Victim's Testimony
In People v. Rabosa, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's rape conviction and explained why physical resistance, healed lacerations, and calm behavior do not defeat a victim's testimony.
Rape Conviction Overcoming THE Defense OF Consensual SEX
How Reliable Eyewitness Testimony Secures Convictions in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility carefully when deciding criminal cases. Learn how positive identification and consistent testimony lead to convictions.
Witness Testimony and the Standard of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial and alibi in criminal cases, explained through a murder conviction.
Rape Conviction Upheld: When Penetration Is Proven Beyond the Finger
Philippine Supreme Court explains why digital penetration plus penile entry constitutes rape, not just acts of lasciviousness.
Rape Conviction Proving Penetration Beyond A Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court ruled that finger insertion alone isn't rape, but penis penetration can be proven by medical evidence and credible victim testimony.
Circumstantial Evidence and Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence in affirming a murder conviction in People v. Rabutin.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Resistance in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony and resistance are weighed in Philippine criminal law.
Discharge of an Accomplice as a State Witness: Safeguarding Justice in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts' factual findings and witness credibility assessments are conclusive unless arbitrary, in a murder conviction.
Rape Conviction: Credibility of the Complainant and the Role of Intimidation
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's credible testimony and intimidation by threat or weapon can sustain a conviction.
Dying Declarations Admissibility and Impact on Criminal Cases in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat dying declarations in criminal cases, their admissibility requirements, and their impact on convictions.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
The Supreme Court explains the three elements of self-defense in the Philippines and why a Palawan man's claim failed in a murder conviction.
When Is Mere Association Not Enough in Philippine Drug Cases? A Guide to Conspiracy
Understand when Philippine courts find conspiracy in drug cases and why mere association or presence is not enough for conviction.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Lessons from People v. Mañozca
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, clarifying key rules on evidence and defenses.
Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility and Legal Standards in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies standards for crediting child testimony in rape cases, affirming conviction based on victims' narrations.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough to Convict in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction—and why it failed in People v. Villaran.
Witness Identification and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed witness credibility, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder conviction.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Force and Consent Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains why a "sweethearts" defense does not negate force in rape, and how resistance is measured.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal in the Philippines: Rights and Limits After Conviction
Can a convicted person withdraw a criminal appeal in the Philippines? People v. Redulosa explains the right, limits, and consequences.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Power of Intimidation and Victim Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, intimidation by scythe, and rejection of alibi defenses.