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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Erosion of Presumption: Unlawful Searches Undermine Drug Possession Convictions
Explore how failure to comply with search and seizure rules can erode the presumption of regularity and weaken drug possession cases.
Safeguarding the Chain of Custody: Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 is essential to preserve drug evidence integrity and secure convictions.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Inconsistent Testimony Undermines Drug Sale Conviction
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Cases
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Graft Conviction Upheld for DENR Official Demanding Payment for Free Patent Applications
Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of DENR official under Section 3(c) of RA 3019 for demanding money to process free patent applications.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability: People v. Gallardo
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule from People v. Gallardo.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Witness Distance Undermines Drug Sale Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to secure required witnesses at arrest scene, breaking chain of custody.
Marijuana Possession Proving Intent Despite Procedural Lapses In Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms marijuana possession conviction despite buy-bust procedural lapses, citing accused's admission and preserved evidence integrity.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Safeguards in Evidence Handling Matter
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite police lapses, but warns that procedural shortcuts can undermine the integrity of seized evidence.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring the Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for illegal sale and possession of marijuana, ruling that the chain of custody over seized drugs was unbroken despite the accused's objections.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Premeditated Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, clarifying the elements of treachery and its role in ensuring justice for victims of sudden, premeditated attacks.
Simple Rape Conviction: Credibility of Victim’s Testimony and Burden of Proof
A look at how Philippine courts weigh a rape victim’s testimony, credibility, and the prosecution’s burden of proof in simple rape cases.
Procedural Compliance in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights and Ensuring Fair Convictions
Why strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is vital in drug cases, and how procedural lapses can lead to acquittal.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why the Victim's Testimony Is Paramount Evidence
In rape cases, the victim's credible testimony can sustain a conviction. This article explains the rules and practical takeaways.
Intact Hymen Does NOT Preclude Rape Conviction: People v. Bay-od
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite intact hymen, clarifying that carnal knowledge does not require hymen rupture or full penetration.
Intact Hymen Does Not Disprove Statutory Rape: People v. Bay-od
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified statutory rape conviction, ruling that an intact hymen and absence of genital injury do not negate carnal knowledge.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, explaining the strict chain of custody rule.
Child Abuse Intent Not Always Required Under Special Protection Laws
Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase a child is not always required for conviction under RA 7610's child abuse provisions.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Consent, Delay in Reporting, and Alibi in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that delay in reporting and a weak alibi do not defeat a credible victim's testimony.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, clarifying the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and the required witnesses.
Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs: Conviction Upheld in Buy-Bust Operation
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for illegal sale of shabu, explaining the elements of the crime and the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
Protecting Children: Upholding Convictions for Child Abuse Under Republic Act No. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying how courts assess child victims' testimonies.
Rape Conviction Upheld When Knife Threat Came After the Act: People v. Tagle
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deadly weapon qualifies rape—and when it does not—in People v. Tagle.