Rape, RA 7610, and Acts of Lasciviousness — Dismissal, RTC Olongapo City
Our client, a former US Navy serviceman, was accused of Rape, violation of RA 7610 (Child Abuse Law), and Acts of Lasciviousness before the Regional Trial Court, Branch 73, Olongapo City. The charges were filed by his Filipino wife on behalf of her minor daughter from another man — which our client characterized as harassment and retaliation arising from a pending annulment case he had filed against the wife.
We raised a constitutional speedy trial violation based on the prosecution’s unreasonable delay in prosecuting the case. The RTC granted the dismissal.
Bigamy — Motion to Quash Granted, RTC Muntinlupa City
Our client was arrested at NAIA upon returning to the Philippines after his first wife filed a bigamy case arising from his second marriage, which had taken place in Australia and was registered with both the Philippine Embassy there and the Philippine Statistics Authority.
We filed a Motion to Quash the Information before arraignment, arguing that the Muntinlupa RTC had no jurisdiction: the second marriage occurred entirely outside Philippine territory, and none of the jurisdictional exceptions under Article 2 of the Revised Penal Code applied. The court agreed and dismissed the case.
Key legal issue: Extraterritorial application of the Revised Penal Code — Article 2 exceptions.
RA 9262 (Psychological Abuse) — Acquittal, RTC Manila Branch 43
Our client, who had been in Singapore when the case was initially archived, faced reactivation of the charges after the Department of Foreign Affairs revoked his passport. We advised him to return and face the proceedings, arranged his travel back, and secured his bail upon arrival.
The private complainant was represented by a former Caloocan City chief prosecutor. We built a comprehensive defense, successfully moved for the recusal of the initial presiding judge, and presented evidence that raised reasonable doubt on all charges. The RTC issued a judgment of acquittal.
Dangerous Drug Possession (RA 9165, Section 11) — Acquittal, RTC Marikina City Branch 273
Our client was arrested during an entrapment operation and charged with possession of methamphetamine hydrochloride. We challenged the prosecution’s evidence and the integrity of the chain of custody of the seized items. The Regional Trial Court found that the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt and issued a judgment of acquittal.
Drug Den Maintenance and Possession (RA 9165, Sections 6, 11, 14) — Acquittal, RTC Makati City Branch 59
Our client faced three separate charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Through comprehensive cross-examination of PDEA agents and a meticulously crafted legal memorandum raising reasonable doubt, the Regional Trial Court issued a complete judgment of acquittal on all three charges.
Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives (RA 10591 and RA 9516) — Dismissal
Our firm secured the dismissal of charges for clients facing allegations under the laws on illegal possession of firearms and explosive devices. Details are withheld in accordance with client confidentiality.
Cybercrime — Sextortion and Blackmail Defense (RA 10175)
We have represented more than six clients targeted by sextortion schemes — cases involving threats to release private images or communications unless payments were made. In each matter, we located the perpetrators, issued cease-and-desist demands, and where appropriate filed criminal complaints under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. All matters were resolved in our clients’ favor without public disclosure of the targeted materials.
