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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Kidnapping and Illegal Detention: Why Rape Must Be Pleaded as an Aggravating Circumstance
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping with serious illegal detention, and why unpleaded rape cannot justify the death penalty.
Rape by Intimidation: The Supreme Court's Stance on Fear and Consent
How the Supreme Court ruled that fear of death can vitiate consent in rape cases involving kidnapping and illegal detention.
Navigating Doubt When A Rape Charge Becomes Acts of Lasciviousness
When rape evidence falters, Philippine courts may convict for acts of lasciviousness. A guide to the rules on doubt, admissions, and included offenses.
Statutory Rape: Why Physical Injury Is Irrelevant for Victims Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains why an intact hymen does not negate statutory rape of a child under twelve, and what evidence matters.
Credibility of Testimony Can Overcome Medical Findings in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony even when medical findings show no hymenal laceration.
Rape Conviction Stands: Force and Intimidation Trump Claims of Consent in Sweetheart Defense
SC affirms rape conviction of man who attacked a mentally disabled woman, ruling force and intimidation override any alleged romantic relationship.
When Rape Conviction Stands But Attempted Rape Fails: Lessons from People v. Pancho
The Supreme Court clarifies when a stepfather's acts constitute rape versus attempted rape, and the evidentiary rules that govern each.
Voice Recognition as Evidence Identifying the Accused in Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on voice recognition evidence in rape cases, admissibility standards, and the importance of credible victim testimony.
Rape and the Requisites of Force and Intimidation
Explaining when force or intimidation must be alleged and proved in rape cases, and why the victim's age matters under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Upheld Credibility OF Victims Testimony AND THE Importance OF Immediate Reporting
Rape Conviction When Relationship AND AGE ARE NOT Proven Penalty Reduced
Child's Testimony and Unusual Behavior: When Rape Convictions Stand on Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a child's testimony can sustain a rape conviction despite claims of unusual behavior.
Rape and Conspiracy: When the Act of One Is the Act of All
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy in rape makes each accused liable for the acts of all co-conspirators.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Force, Intimidation, and the Death Penalty in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies force and intimidation in rape, and why a conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua.
Rape Conviction Upheld Clarifying THE Scope OF Aggravating Circumstances AND Victim Testimony
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force and Intimidation
In incestuous rape, a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter can substitute for force and intimidation, the Supreme Court ruled in People v. Madera.
From Rape to Lewdness When Evidence Casts Doubt on the Crime Lesser Offenses Prevail
When rape evidence fails, courts may convict for acts of lasciviousness. Learn the rules from People v. Aquino.
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.
Conspiracy and Consent in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gang rape, conspiracy liability, victim credibility, and consent in People v. Binarao.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Supreme Court's Stance on Child Rape and Testimony Integrity
A father's rape conviction shows how Philippine courts weigh a child's testimony, prove minority, and distinguish rape from lesser offenses.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Consent and the Presumption of Innocence
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused where prosecution failed to prove force or intimidation, reaffirming the presumption of innocence and the prosecution's burden.
Incestuous Rape: Proving the Elements for a Qualified Conviction
When does incestuous rape warrant the death penalty? The Supreme Court explains the strict proof required for minority and relationship.
Betrayal in the Bedroom: Convicting a Father for Rape and the Role of Witness Credibility
In People v. Canoy, the Supreme Court convicted a father of raping his own daughter, showing how courts weigh a child victim's testimony in incest cases.