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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Unlawful Search by Bantay Bayan Operatives Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case
Supreme Court rules Bantay Bayan operatives are state agents for Bill of Rights purposes; warrantless search without lawful arrest invalidates drug evidence.
Reasonable Doubt and Inconsistent Witness Testimony Lead to Murder Acquittal
Explaining how material inconsistencies in an eyewitness's testimony can create reasonable doubt, leading to acquittal in murder cases.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Employer Liability for SSS Contributions Despite Officers' Acquittal
A corporation cannot escape SSS contribution liability merely because its officers were acquitted in the criminal case. The Supreme Court explains why.
Estafa and Civil Liability: When Acquittal Doesnt Guarantee Freedom From Civil Claims
Explore the distinction between criminal acquittal and civil liability in estafa cases, and how banks can be held accountable.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Acquittal IN Rape Case Hinges ON Consensual Circumstances
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 safeguards.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Ismael
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to mark seized shabu immediately and observe Section 21 safeguards.
Corporate Officer Acquittal in BP 22 Cases Extinguishes Civil Liability
When a corporate officer is acquitted of violating BP 22, civil liability for the bounced corporate check is also extinguished.
Acquittal in Rape Case: The Crucial Role of Force, Threat or Intimidation
The Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused because the prosecution failed to prove force, threat, or intimidation, a required element of rape.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Carnapping With Homicide Case Due to Insufficient Evidence
Supreme Court acquits accused in carnapping with homicide case, ruling that prosecution evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Reasonable Doubt Leads to Acquittal
A mayor was acquitted of falsifying marriage certificates when the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he did not solemnize the weddings.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Prudencio
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Illegal Drug Cases: Why Chain of Custody Failures Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break chain of custody rules. Learn the requirements and practical lessons.
When Police Lapses in Drug Cases Lead to Acquittal: The Gamboa Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining the strict rules police must follow under RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Robbery With Homicide Despite Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits accused in robbery with homicide case, ruling circumstantial evidence and mere possession of a phone cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
When Testimony Fails the Test: Acquittal in Forcible Abduction with Rape
The Supreme Court acquits a man of forcible abduction with rape, showing how inconsistent victim testimony and the equipoise rule shape criminal convictions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Marking Discrepancy Led to Acquittal
A marking discrepancy between the poseur-buyer's testimony and the lab request broke the chain of custody, resulting in acquittal.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Lapses Do Not Mean Acquittal
Explore when lapses in Section 21 chain of custody rules do not lead to acquittal in Philippine drug cases, as ruled in People v. Dela Cruz.
Bouncing Back Acquittal in BP 22 Cases Hinges on Proof of Notice of Dishonor
Supreme Court acquits BP 22 accused where prosecution failed to prove written notice of dishonor was received by the drawer.
Estafa Acquittal and Civil Liability: Distinguishing Ex Delicto From Ex Contractu
When an estafa acquittal rests on a contract, civil liability ex delicto cannot be awarded; the creditor must file a separate civil action.
Chain of Custody Gaps and Missing Poseur-Buyer Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to mark seized items immediately and did not present the poseur-buyer.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining strict Section 21 requirements.
Estafa Acquittal: When Lack of Proof of Deceit and Reliance Wins the Case
A look at Ison v. People, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused of estafa for failure to prove deceit and reliance beyond reasonable doubt.