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 Drug Evidence Handling Holds Up: Lessons From a Shabu Possession Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how proper chain of custody over seized drugs can defeat an acquittal bid in Philippine drug cases.
Minor's Consent No Defense: Trafficking Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld a qualified trafficking conviction, ruling that a minor's consent is no defense when she is exploited for prostitution.
Eradicating Exploitation: Trafficking of Minors and the Protective Laws of the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that confidential informants are not indispensable in trafficking cases, upholding a conviction based on the victim's testimony.
Trafficking in Persons Conviction Upheld: Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt Without the Informant's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a trafficking conviction, ruling that a confidential informant's testimony is not indispensable when the victim's account and police evidence establish guilt.
Why Witness Presence in Drug Case Inventories Can Make or Break a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to secure an elected official during inventory, explaining the mandatory witness rule.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
A buy-bust conviction reversed because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, breaking the chain of custody.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Child Victim Testimony and Flight as Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices and why the accused's flight indicates guilt.
Treachery Unproven: Conviction Reduced from Murder to Homicide for Lack of Clear Evidence
Supreme Court reduces murder conviction to homicide when treachery is not proven by clear and convincing evidence, explaining the required standard.
Treachery and Conspiracy Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
When treachery is not proven by clear evidence, a murder conviction may be reduced to homicide. This case explains why.
Qualified Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Child Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's clear testimony outweighs a father's denial and alibi.
Conviction for Carnapping with Homicide Upheld Despite Eyewitness Identification Issues
Supreme Court affirms carnapping with homicide convictions, explaining how credible eyewitness testimony and possession of stolen vehicle outweigh alibi defenses.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how treachery is established and why credible witness testimony outweighs alibi and doubts about motive.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Missing Witnesses Mean Acquittal
A drug conviction was reversed because police failed to secure media and DOJ witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rules.
Reasonable Doubt Chain OF Custody AND Drug Sale Convictions IN THE Philippines
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Police Procedure Determines Conviction or Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in chain of custody, reaffirming strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Breach of Public Trust: Negligence in Permitting Construction Without Proper Clearance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of Intramuros Administrator for gross inexcusable negligence under RA 3019 for allowing construction without permits.
BUY Bust Operations Upholding Drug Convictions Through Chain OF Custody
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the chain of custody rule and the "earnest efforts" required under RA 9165.
Protecting Children Under R.A. 7610: Lascivious Conduct vs. Sexual Assault
A father's conviction for sexual assault was modified to lascivious conduct under R.A. 7610, clarifying the proper charge and penalty for child victims.
Moral Ascendancy as Force in Incestuous Rape: Protecting Vulnerable Victims
Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation under Philippine law.
Supreme Court Affirms Conviction for Qualified Rape by Father
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling affirming a father's conviction for qualified rape, detailing the elements, evidence, and penalties under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of Victim Testimony and Corroborating Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for lascivious conduct under RA 7610, underscoring the credibility of child victim testimony over medical findings.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Rules Protects Against Wrongful Convictions
The Supreme Court rules that notarized deeds of sale enjoy a presumption of validity that only clear and convincing evidence can overcome.