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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Justice Prevails Circumstantial Evidence AND THE Pursuit OF Truth IN Criminal Law
A grandfather's rape conviction affirmed by the Supreme Court, showing how Philippine courts weigh a child victim's testimony against denial.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Intimidation AS Sufficient Force IN Sexual Assault Cases
Rape Conviction Upheld but Death Penalty Cut Over Defective Information
The Supreme Court affirmed a stepfather's rape conviction but reduced the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information wrongly alleged a step relationship.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Specific Allegations Protecting the Rights of the Accused
The Supreme Court vacated a death sentence for incestuous rape because the trial court failed to conduct a searching inquiry into the accused's guilty plea.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Alone Can Uphold Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, and why death penalty requires minority alleged in information.
Rape Conviction Upheld BUT Death Penalty Reduced THE Importance OF Proving Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion temporal after finding the prosecution failed to prove robbery and nighttime as aggravating circumstances.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Forcible Abduction Case
Supreme Court affirms rape and forcible abduction conviction, ruling positive identification outweighs alibi and denial in criminal cases.
Intimidation in Rape Cases: Upholding Victim Testimony and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction in a 2002 case, ruling that a child victim's testimony and the presence of intimidation can outweigh a bare denial and a sweetheart defense.
Proving Rape in the Philippines: Why a Victim's Testimony Can Convict Without Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explaining when physical evidence is not required for conviction.
Rape and Delayed Reporting: Credibility in Familial Abuse Cases
A stepfather's 32 rape convictions upheld despite delayed reporting; the Court explains why delay is not fatal to credibility in familial abuse.
Parental Authority vs Incestuous Abuse: Why a Guilty Plea Did Not Ensure the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the Information failed to state the victim's exact age.
Rape Conviction Upheld THE Impact OF Corroborated Testimony AND Victim Credibility IN Philippine LAW
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed But Death Penalty Set Aside for Unproven Minority
Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the victim's minority was not proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Minors AGE Mitigates Penalty BUT Does NOT Excuse THE Crime
Rape Conviction Hinges on Specific Allegations Protecting Due Process in Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits a father of rape because the prosecution failed to prove carnal knowledge and unconsciousness as specifically alleged.
Rape Conviction Upheld Intimidation AS Force IN Cases Involving Minors
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Victim's Testimony and Corroborating Medical Evidence
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, relying on the victim's credible testimony and medical findings.
Rape Convictions Hinge on Credible Victim Testimony: People v. Villaflores
A rape conviction requires clear, consistent victim testimony. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Villaflores.
Intact Hymen Does Not Preclude Rape Conviction: Slight Penetration Is Sufficient
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an intact hymen does not negate rape; even the slightest penetration of the female organ constitutes consummated rape.
The Perils of Silence: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting and Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions of an uncle despite delayed reporting, minor inconsistencies, and alibi, explaining why silence does not equal consent.
Parental Authority VS Statutory Rape Allegation OF Minority Must BE Explicit FOR Qualified Rape Conviction
SC rules minority must be alleged in information for qualified rape; Laciste convicted of simple rape, not death penalty.
Rape Shield Protecting Child Victims AND Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on the credible testimony of a victim, explaining key evidentiary rules in Philippine rape cases.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Evidence: Credible Testimony Suffices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible testimony, not physical evidence, and the importance of proper allegation of qualifying circumstances.
Intrafamilial Rape: Proving Guilt and the Nuances of Consent and Evidence
A father's rape conviction upheld on appeal, clarifying evidence rules, consent issues, and penalty requirements in incestuous rape cases.