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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Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Credible Testimony and Victim Protection Matter
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, explaining why minor inconsistencies don't destroy a young victim's case.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Minor Inconsistencies in a Child Victim's Testimony Do Not Destroy Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a triple rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in a young victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Give It Great Weight
Philippine courts often convict based on the victim's testimony alone in rape cases. This article explains why, citing People v. Ranido.
Why Affidavits of Desistance Often Fail in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine courts frown on affidavits of desistance in rape cases. This article explains why recantations rarely overturn convictions.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, and why child witnesses are often deemed credible in incest cases.
When an Affidavit of Desistance Cannot Dismiss a Rape Case: Due Process Lessons
A rape conviction was voided for lack of due process; an affidavit of desistance filed after case institution does not warrant dismissal.
Rape Conviction Reversal: When Consensual Sex Becomes Forced
Supreme Court acquits pastor in rape case, explaining how a complainant's post-incident conduct can cast doubt on claims of force.
Rape by a Stepfather: Overcoming the Presumption of Innocence
How Philippine courts weigh a young rape victim's testimony against a stepfather's denial, and why minor inconsistencies do not defeat a conviction.
Rape and the Limits of Relationship in Philippine Law: When Kinship Aggravates the Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a relationship between offender and victim can aggravate rape, and when it cannot.
Rape Acquittal When Consent and Evidence Collide: People v. Estrera
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, showing how delayed reporting, lack of injuries, and consent evidence can defeat a conviction.
Rape Conviction on Victim's Testimony: Credibility Standards in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible lone victim testimony, clarifies damages and reclusion perpetua rules.
Incestuous Rape: Parental Authority as Intimidation in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court ruled that a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter can substitute for force or intimidation in incestuous rape.
Rape and Robbery: How Philippine Courts Determine Criminal Intent
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguished rape from robbery with rape, and why the accused's original intent matters in criminal prosecution.
Positive Identification Overcomes Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibi in criminal cases, explained through a 1998 rape conviction.
In-Court Identification in Rape Cases: People v. Pacistol (G.R. 119074-75)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a victim's credible in-court identification can secure a rape conviction despite flawed police line-up procedures.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Understanding Consent
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how the law protects children and how consent is treated in such cases.
Rape by a Parent: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter substitutes for force in rape, affirming death penalty.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Legal Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that carnal knowledge of a mentally retarded woman whose mental age is below twelve constitutes rape.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains the two elements of statutory rape and why force, hymenal integrity, and spermatozoa are irrelevant.
Rape Conviction: Credible Testimony and Victims' Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how courts weigh victim testimony, the sweetheart defense, and damages awards.
Rape Conviction THE Importance OF Victim Identification AND Consummation IN Philippine LAW
Rape and Robbery: How Philippine Courts Handle Complex Criminal Cases
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how forcible abduction with rape and robbery charges are treated when multiple crimes arise from one criminal episode.
Defective Information in Rape Cases: Waiver and Amendment Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules on defective information in rape cases, waiver by failure to quash, and amendment of indefinite dates.
Granting Bail Without a Hearing: A Judge's Error and Its Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on a judge fined for granting bail in rape cases without a hearing, a grave error.