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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Credibility in Rape Cases: The High Standard for Conviction Based on Victim Testimony
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony, force, and mental capacity in securing a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
The Testimony of a Witness With Disabilities: Ensuring Justice and Fair Trial
How the Supreme Court upheld rape convictions based on a deaf-mute victim's credible testimony, affirming that disability does not disqualify a witness.
Positive Identification and Witness Competency in Rape with Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed that a witness with hearing and intellectual impairments can provide credible testimony in rape with homicide prosecutions.
Child Rape in the Philippines: What People v. Lomerio Teaches About Credible Testimony
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on convicting a child rapist on the victim's testimony, the meaning of carnal knowledge, and how aggravating circumstances are weighed.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony: The Requisite Standard for Conviction
In rape cases, the victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction. The Supreme Court explains the standard.
Rape Conviction and Death Penalty: The Mendiona Case on Aggravating Circumstances
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape with deadly weapon and aggravating circumstances, clarifying civil indemnity rules under Article 335.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Deadly Weapon and Aggravating Circumstances Justify Death Penalty
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape committed with a deadly weapon and two aggravating circumstances, clarifying civil indemnity rules.
Circumstantial Evidence and Eyewitness Testimony in Rape of a Minor: People v. Torejos
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for rape of a three-year-old, clarifying evidentiary rules on witness credibility and circumstantial proof.
Protecting the Defenseless: Upholding Conviction for Child Rape Despite Claims of Unreliable Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child of tender years can be a credible witness, upholding a conviction for acts of lasciviousness against a minor.
Child Witnesses and Acts of Lasciviousness: The Dulla Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child can testify and how acts of lasciviousness differ from rape in this 2000 ruling.
Protecting Childhood: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Child Rape Case
The Supreme Court affirms a reclusion perpetua conviction for statutory rape of a nine-year-old, clarifying rules on victim credibility, alibi, and damages.
Rape Conviction Upheld Victims Testimony Sufficient Despite Lack OF Medical Evidence
Rape and the Mitigating Circumstance of Minority: Protecting Minors From Sexual Abuse
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions but applies the mitigating circumstance of minority, reducing penalties while increasing damages for the victim.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility, Physical Evidence, and the Weight of Medical Findings
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how medical evidence and credible testimony outweigh minor inconsistencies in the complainant's account.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Minor Testimonial Inconsistencies: People v. Arafiles
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions despite minor inconsistencies in the victim's testimony, explaining why minor contradictions do not destroy credibility.
Identifying Perpetrators Upholding Convictions IN Robbery With Rape Through Credible Witness Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape convictions, ruling that credible witness identification prevails over alibi and minor inconsistencies.
Rape Conviction Stands Even If Accused Claims Consensual Affair
A claim of a romantic relationship does not negate rape if force was used. The Supreme Court explains why consent matters.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, ruling that an intact hymen and lack of physical injuries do not negate carnal knowledge.
Rape Conviction Examining THE USE OF A Deadly Weapon AND Aggravating Circumstances IN Philippine LAW
Incestuous Rape: When a Father's Betrayal Warrants the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his 12-year-old daughter, underscoring the gravity of incestuous rape under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction: Credibility of Testimony and the Nuances of Penetration
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, clarifies penetration nuances, and adjusts penalties and damages.
Rape Conviction Upheld Even Partial Penetration Constitutes Rape Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that partial penetration—touching the labia—is enough to consummate rape.
Double Jeopardy vs Duplicity: Defective Informations and Fair Trial Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy, duplicity in informations, and fair trial rights in rape convictions.
Confession as Key Evidence in Rape With Homicide Case: People v. Valla
A confession made to barangay officials after finding a victim's body can convict. The Supreme Court explains when extrajudicial admissions are admissible evidence.