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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Why Prosecutors Must Present Evidence in Rape Cases: Lessons from Merciales v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on prosecutorial duty, state witnesses, and due process in rape with homicide cases.
Upholding DUE Process When Acquittal Isnt Always Final IN Rape With Homicide Cases
Diminished Conviction Reassessing Guilt IN Rape Homicide Cases Based ON Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies that circumstantial evidence can prove murder but not rape, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
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 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.
Statutory Rape: Why Proving Familial Relationship Matters in Aggravated Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows that in statutory rape, the qualifying circumstance of relationship must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely alleged.
Beyond THE Allegation Proving Rape AND Protecting Rights IN THE Philippines
Incestuous Rape Ensuring Voluntariness AND Comprehension IN Guilty Pleas FOR Capital Offenses
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.
Incestuous Rape Parental Authority VS Childs Right TO Protection
When a father rapes his child, parental authority yields to the child's right to protection. This article explains the legal principles and limits of parental power under Philippine law.
Statutory Rape Penetration IS Required FOR Consummation Attempted Rape Defined
The Supreme Court clarifies that penetration, not mere touching, is required for consummated statutory rape, explaining attempted rape rules.
Attempted Rape, Lack of Penetration, and the Significance of the Victim's Resistance
The Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration is not required for rape, and a victim's resistance is not essential when intimidation is present.
Rape AND Incest Establishing Guilt Beyond Medical Findings
Conviction Upheld on Circumstantial Evidence Despite Accused's Escape in Rape-Homicide Case
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape-homicide based on circumstantial evidence, ruling escape waives right to appeal.
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.
Rape Shield Laws Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Fair Trials IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape cases clarifies that exact dates need not be alleged, but victim's minority must be for death penalty.
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.
Uncertain Testimony in Rape Cases: Safeguarding Justice and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies that an imprecise date in a rape information does not void it, but failure to allege the victim's age bars the death penalty.
The Slightest Touch: Defining Rape and Protecting Children in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies "slightest penetration" in rape cases, distinguishing consummated rape from attempted rape in People v. Quarre.
Statutory Rape Consent Irrelevant When Victim IS Underage
Rape and Resistance: Why Full Penetration and Hymen Rupture Are Not Required in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape is consummated by mere penile entry into the labia, not full penetration or hymen rupture.
Rape and the Perversion of Trust: How Relationship and Minority Affect Sentencing
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a stepfather's rape of minors is penalized, and why precise allegations matter.
The Perils of Alibi: Why Positive Identification Alone Cannot Guarantee Conviction
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite positive identification, emphasizing that the prosecution must prove force and intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Beyond Rape: When Lewd Acts Constitute Acts of Lasciviousness
The Supreme Court explains when lewd acts short of rape constitute acts of lasciviousness, and the penalties involved.