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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When Identification Fails: The Teves Parricide Acquittal and the Limits of Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a parricide convict, showing how suggestive identification and weak circumstantial evidence cannot support a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
The Weight of a Witness Conviction Based on Uncorroborated Testimony in Philippine Rape Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a single, credible victim testimony suffices to convict in rape cases, and why corroboration is not always required.
Stepfather's Rape Conviction Upheld on Credible Victim Testimony
SC affirms stepfather's rape conviction, ruling a credible child victim's testimony alone suffices for conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Reasonable Doubt and Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Balano
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and the absence of medical examination.
Breach of Trust Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Witnesses
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, even without eyewitnesses or medical examination.
Conviction for Incestuous Rape: When Multiple Counts Arise from One Information
A father's conviction for six counts of incestuous rape shows how credible victim testimony and proof of minority determine the penalty.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt Upholding Conviction IN Drug Sale AND Possession Despite Procedural Claims
Positive Identification and the Limits of Conspiracy in Criminal Convictions
A look at how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi and what proof conspiracy truly requires.
Due Process in Custodial Investigation: When Lack of Counsel Does Not Void a Conviction
A conviction based on eyewitness testimony stands even if custodial rights were violated, as no confession was obtained.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification, rejecting the defenses of alibi and alleged due process violations.
Retraction in Rape Cases: Why Recanted Affidavits Rarely Overturn a Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's recanted affidavit rarely defeats her sworn testimony in court.
Conspiracy and Positive Identification in Robbery with Homicide Cases
The Court upholds robbery-with-homicide convictions built on conspiracy and eyewitness identification, but clarifies that a paltik gun does not prove illegal possession.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Minor Victim’s Testimony in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, underscoring that a minor victim's straightforward testimony prevails over alibi and denial.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Due Process in Drug Sale Arrests
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies entrapment vs instigation in drug busts, affirming a buy-bust conviction for shabu sale.
When the Supreme Court Corrects Aggravating Circumstances in Murder Convictions
A look at People v. Cachola, where the High Court affirmed murder convictions but corrected the trial court's appreciation of aggravating circumstances.
Familial Betrayal and the Burden of Proof: Rethinking Rape Convictions in the Philippines
In People v. Freta, the Supreme Court reduced a father's death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove his daughter's minority.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Inconsistencies in Testimony Do Not Guarantee Reasonable Doubt
In People v. Caniezo, the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction despite minor inconsistencies in the victim's testimony and corrected the penalty and damages awarded.
Beyond Words: Establishing Rape Through Credible Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how credible witness testimony and circumstantial evidence can establish rape convictions.
Boastful Rapist's Conviction Upheld: Delay in Reporting Rape Explained by Threats
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite a five-year delay in reporting, ruling that credible threats explain the delay.
The Line Between Consensual Act and Rape: Establishing Carnal Knowledge Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes consummated rape, the proof required for conviction, and when the death penalty applies.
Positive Identification and Treachery: The Murder Conviction of Arnel Mataro and Nick Perucho
How eyewitness identification and treachery secured murder convictions, and how damages were computed on appeal.
Protecting the Vulnerable: A Child's Testimony Can Be Enough for Rape Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a child victim's credible testimony, clarifying evidentiary rules for vulnerable witnesses.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The High Standard for Rape Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine courts require proof beyond reasonable doubt for rape convictions. This article explains the standard and what it means for accusers and the accused.
Rape Conviction Stands But Death Penalty Reduced: Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Alleged in the Information
A rape conviction stands, but the Supreme Court reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua because minority and relationship were not alleged in the information.