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.
Conspiracy and Ignominy in Rape Cases: Understanding Criminal Liability
How conspiracy and ignominy widen criminal liability in rape cases under Philippine law, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Is Deadly Force Justified in the Philippines? Police Use of Force Rules
Philippine law on police use of force, deadly force standards, and what the Supreme Court says about justified shootings.
Protecting Minors: Upholding Conviction in Child Rape Cases Despite Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a child rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a minor victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
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.
Distinguishing Child Abuse From Physical Injuries: Intent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every injury to a minor is child abuse; specific intent to debase or demean must be proven.
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.
Protecting Seafarers' Permanent Partial Disability and the Right to Compensation
Supreme Court rules seafarers can claim permanent partial disability benefits even if injury is curable or not in POEA schedule.
Upholding Child Protection: Parental Discipline vs. Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between parental discipline and child abuse under R.A. 7610 in a case involving a guardian who burned a child with a flat iron.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force and Consent in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that voluntary presence in a motel does not equal consent to sex.
Teacher Discipline and Due Process: Grave Misconduct in Philippine Schools
A teacher's physical punishment of a student constitutes grave misconduct, but mitigating factors can temper the penalty of dismissal.
Child Abuse vs Physical Injury: Delineating Intent in Acts Against Minors
When does hitting a child become child abuse under RA 7610? The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial role of intent in Bongalon v. People.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Testimony and the Element of Carnal Knowledge
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that carnal knowledge does not require full penetration and that a victim's credible testimony alone can prove the crime.
Protecting Minors: Conviction for Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Affirmed
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors, clarifying key legal principles on carnal knowledge and penalties.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for nine counts of statutory rape against his young daughters, clarifying evidentiary rules.
Grave Threats vs. Light Threats: The Caluag Case on Gun-Pointing in the Philippines
When does pointing a gun become a grave threat? The Caluag case clarifies the legal line between grave and light threats under Philippine law.
Statutory Rape: Protecting Children and Ensuring Due Process in Criminal Law
A father's conviction for statutory rape upheld, but due process requires every element—including relationship—be alleged in the information.
Intent to Kill: How Philippine Courts Determine Attempted and Frustrated Homicide
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish attempted from frustrated homicide through intent to kill, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Road Repair Responsibility When Negligence Leads to Liability
When road diggings lack warning devices, local governments may be liable for damages. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on negligence, moral damages, and gross negligence.
Rape and Incest: The Supreme Court's Stance on Protecting Victims From Parental Abuse
The Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying force is relative and rejecting the sweetheart defense in abuse cases.
Rape Conviction Stands Even Without Physical Injury: Absence of Genital Wounds Does Not Mean Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: rape of a mentally incapacitated victim needs no genital injury; absence of wounds does not imply consent.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Intimidation With a Weapon Constitutes Force in Sexual Assault
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that threatening a victim with a bolo constitutes the force or intimidation required by law.
Slightest Penetration Consummated Rape Defined in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that slightest penetration of the labia consummates rape, even without hymenal laceration or full entry.
When Medical Evidence Is Absent: Conviction for Rape Based on Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite normal medical findings, explaining why a child victim's testimony can be enough.
Presence vs Participation: When Mere Presence Creates Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence at a crime scene constitutes conspiracy versus innocent observation, using a rape case as example.