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 Right to Confrontation: Why Live Testimony Matters in Philippine Criminal Trials
The Supreme Court vacated a rape conviction because prosecutors used transcripts from another trial instead of presenting live witnesses, violating the accused's right to confrontation.
Why Precise Rape Charges Matter: The Right to Be Informed of the Accusation
The Supreme Court nullified rape convictions where complaints said only "sexual abuse," upholding the accused's constitutional right to know the charge.
Rape of a Person with Mental Retardation: Lack of Consent and Legal Implications
Philippine Supreme Court rules sexual intercourse with a mental retardate is rape even without force, as she cannot validly consent.
Consent Is Key: Understanding the Burden of Proof in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why proving lack of consent in rape cases requires credible evidence, not just allegations.
Rape and the Burden of Proof: Consent and Minority in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, clarifying that mental retardation must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not presumed.
Rape Conviction Intoxication AND Credibility OF Victims Testimony
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Based on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape-homicide accused where circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Proving Minority in Qualified Rape Cases: The Ochea Standard
In People v. Ochea, the Supreme Court ruled that failure to prove the victim's minority bars conviction for qualified rape and the death penalty.
When Proof of Age Fails: Simple Rape Instead of Death in People v. Ochea
The Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because prosecutors failed to prove the victim's minority in a rape case.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Vague Date in Information: People v. Cantomayor
The Supreme Court upheld a father's rape conviction even though the information alleged only "on or about the year 1990," clarifying when the date of the crime really matters.
Credibility of the Victim's Lone Testimony in Rape Cases: People v. Bitancor
In People v. Bitancor, the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based solely on the victim's credible testimony, reaffirming a doctrine that guides Philippine courts.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Credible Testimony Outweighs Physicians Doubts In Child Abuse Cases
Supreme Court affirms father's rape conviction, ruling a child victim's credible testimony outweighs conflicting medical findings in incest cases.
Breach of Trust: The Grave Consequences of Parental Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his 10-year-old daughter, highlighting the law's treatment of incestuous rape.
Rape Conviction Credibility of Testimony and Proof of Minority in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's death sentence for raping his 10-year-old daughter, clarifying rules on witness credibility and proof of minority.
Conspiracy and Consent: Examining the Elements of Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies rape elements, consent, and qualifying circumstances in a father's conviction for raping his 10-year-old daughter.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Why the Victim's Age Must Be Proven, Not Assumed
In People v. Caralipio, the Supreme Court reduced a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove the victim's minority beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape and Incest: Minor Testimony Inconsistencies Don't Undermine Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony don't weaken her credibility, and why minority must be proven.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Proving Minority and Relationship in Qualified Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove the victim's minority beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape and the Illusion of Safety: Challenging Alibi and Affirming Survivor Testimony
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence underscores how alibi fails against positive identification and why survivor testimony holds weight.
The Weight of a Minor's Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility vs Presumption of Innocence
How Philippine courts weigh a minor rape victim's testimony against the presumption of innocence, and when delay in reporting does not destroy credibility.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Importance of Age Verification in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, emphasizing that a minor victim's delayed reporting does not weaken her credible testimony.
Silence Is Not Always Acquiescence: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a child victim's silence and delayed reporting do not weaken a rape conviction, and clarifies penalties for sexual assault.
Protecting Children: The Credibility of a Minor's Testimony in Incestuous Rape Cases
How Philippine courts assess a minor's testimony in incestuous rape cases, and why credibility, not corroboration, often decides the outcome.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Credibility and Delay in Reporting Explained
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explains why a child victim's testimony is credible despite delay in reporting and why alibi failed.