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.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.
Robbery with Rape and Grave Threats: Key Lessons from People v. Bueza
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how credible testimony can prove robbery with rape and grave threats, even without physical injuries.
Rape Convictions and RA 7610: When the Law Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when RA 7610 applies to sexual abuse of minors, distinguishing it from rape under the Revised Penal Code.
Slightest Penetration Rule in Philippine Rape Law: What It Means
Philippine law treats rape as consummated by the slightest penetration, even mere touching of the labia majora. Here's what the Supreme Court ruled.
Intact Hymen Does Not Negate Statutory Rape: SC Upholds Child Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child's credible testimony can prove statutory rape even when medical findings show an intact hymen.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony alone, even without medical or physical evidence of penetration.
Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Delay in Reporting Does Not Negate Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's delay in reporting does not automatically discredit her testimony.
Eyewitness Credibility and Collective Liability in Criminal Conspiracy: Establishing Individual Guilt
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility and collective liability in criminal conspiracy cases, and what this means for individual guilt.
Marital Cohabitation and Consensual Acts: Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when cohabitation does not imply consent, and how rape and acts of lasciviousness are distinguished in Philippine criminal law.
Unraveling Reasonable Doubt: The Role of DNA Evidence in Rape Cases
Explore how Philippine courts weigh DNA evidence and credible testimony in rape convictions, as shown in People v. Tuazon.
Attempted vs. Consummated Rape in the Philippines: The Penetration Rule in People v. Miranda
Philippine law once required penile penetration for consummated rape. People v. Miranda shows why digital penetration meant attempted rape—and a lesser penalty.
Overt Acts and Intent: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when acts amount to attempted rape and when they only constitute light coercion.
Incestuous Rape Revisiting Penalties and the Application of Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties for incestuous rape, emphasizing proof of minority and the mandatory award of civil indemnity.
Incestuous Rape: Consummation vs Attempt and Proving Carnal Knowledge Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court distinguishes consummated from attempted incestuous rape, stressing the prosecution's burden to prove carnal knowledge beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Intact Hymen
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies that intact hymen does not negate rape.
The Boundaries of Self Defense When Force Becomes Unlawful Aggression in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense is valid and when force becomes unlawful aggression in criminal cases.
The Weight of Fear: Evaluating Delay in Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, victim credibility, and why delay in reporting does not weaken a case.
When Silence Doesnt Mean Innocence: The Complexities of Self-Defense in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence or lack of resistance does not negate force in rape cases, affirming a father's conviction.
Credibility in Rape Cases: How Minor Inconsistencies Don't Undermine Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not defeat conviction when credibility is established.
The Boundaries of Consent: Statutory Rape and the Exploitation of Minors in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Jalosjos clarifies that statutory rape applies regardless of consent, especially when minors are exploited.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Mariano
Philippine courts give significant weight to a child's credible testimony in rape cases. Learn the key principles from People v. Mariano.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Minor Inconsistencies: Why Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not destroy credibility.
Conspiracy in Rape Cases: Collective Criminal Liability Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts apply conspiracy to hold all participants in a gang rape equally liable, even those who did not directly commit the act.