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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The Critical Element of Penile Penetration in Statutory Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that in statutory rape, each count requires proof of penile penetration, even when the victim is below 12.
Rape and Parental Betrayal: Upholding Convictions in Incestuous Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of a father, explaining how clear testimony and flight from detention support guilt.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction in the Philippines
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict, explained through a murder case where no one saw the killing.
Accountability for Illegal Logging: Possession, Liability, and Penalties Under PD 705
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for illegal possession of lumber, clarifying liability and penalties under PD 705.
Eyewitness Identification and Inconsistent Statements in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, minor inconsistencies, and alibi defenses in robbery with homicide convictions.
Theft by Deceit Conviction Stands Despite Missing Testimony and Affidavit of Desistance
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction even with missing transcript and complainant's affidavit of desistance, clarifying key criminal procedure rules.
Challenging Drug Convictions: How Due Process Protects Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures
Learn how Philippine courts protect the accused from unlawful searches and seizures, and what due process means for drug cases.
Accountability Under Conspiracy Murder Conviction Despite Lack OF Provable Treachery
Rape Conviction Upheld: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining moral ascendancy, victim credibility, and why date discrepancies do not defeat the prosecution's case.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a murder conviction, explaining the burden of proof on accused persons.
Supreme Court on Homicide Conviction and Credibility of Witness Testimony
The Supreme Court upholds a homicide conviction, explaining how courts weigh witness credibility and medical evidence in criminal cases.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Minor Discrepancies Protecting Victims IN Custodial Situations
Accountability for Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Confessions, and Justice in People v. Muit
Supreme Court affirms convictions for kidnapping and carnapping, explaining conspiracy, interlocking confessions, and penalties.
Protecting the Young: Statutory Rape Conviction and the Weakness of Alibi
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that alibi cannot defeat positive identification in statutory rape cases involving minors.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony, intimidation, and corroborating evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Witness Credibility in Frustrated Homicide: Motive and Consistency in Angeles v. People
How the Supreme Court weighs witness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and absence of ill motive in a frustrated homicide conviction under Philippine law.
Positive Identification and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Clarifying Witness Credibility
People v. Martin shows how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification, alibi, conspiracy, and damages in a murder conviction and appeal.
Estafa Conviction Overturned: The Critical Role of Notice in Bouncing Check Cases
The Supreme Court acquits Goretti Ong of estafa, ruling that failure to prove notice of dishonor is fatal to a bouncing check prosecution.
Conviction Despite Alibi: Positive Identification Overrules Defense in Quirino Arson-Murder Case
In People v. Gaffud, the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for double murder by fire, ruling that positive identification and flight defeat alibi and denial.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credible Testimony and Medical Evidence Validate Child Victim's Account
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings outweigh denial and alibi.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Rape with Homicide Requires Moral Certainty
When can circumstantial evidence convict someone of rape with homicide? The Supreme Court explains the moral certainty standard.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Legal Threshold for Carnal Knowledge and Victim Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that slight penetration of the labia suffices for carnal knowledge and that a credible victim's testimony alone can convict.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation in Familial Settings
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a cousin, ruling that moral ascendancy in familial settings constitutes intimidation, and clarifies penetration standards.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Victim Testimony and the Rejection of Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a credible victim's testimony outweighs alibi and denial defenses.