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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Chain of Custody Upholding Drug Convictions Through Procedural Compliance
How strict adherence to Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rule preserved the drug evidence and secured a conviction for illegal sale of shabu.
Navigating Probable Cause: The Ombudsman's Role in Philippine Criminal Prosecutions
This article explains the Ombudsman's power to determine probable cause in criminal cases, its limits, and the legal principles governing prosecutorial discretion in the Philippines.
Substantial Compliance on Belated Secretary's Certificate and Its Impact on Unlawful Detainer Cases
SC rules belated submission of Secretary's Certificate is substantial compliance, preventing dismissal of unlawful detainer cases on procedural grounds.
Matibag v. Dangerous Drugs Board: CES Eligibility and Security of Tenure Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that Career Service Executive Eligibility (CSEE) alone does not guarantee security of tenure in CES positions.
Understanding Jurisdictional Limits in Lease Disputes: A Guide to Security Deposits and Court Competence
The Supreme Court clarifies when lease disputes over security deposits fall under municipal trial courts versus regional trial courts.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Sebilleno
The Supreme Court acquitted Gilbert Sebilleno after finding serious gaps in the chain of custody of the seized drugs, reaffirming strict compliance with Section 21 of R.A. 9165.
Chain of Custody Gaps and Missing Witnesses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to justify missing Section 21 witnesses, breaking the chain of custody.
Negligence in Notarial Practice: Securing Notarial Seals and Upholding Professional Responsibility
A notary's duty to safeguard his seal is absolute. Learn from a lawyer suspended for negligence over forged documents bearing his notarial seal.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Evidence in Drug Paraphernalia Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug paraphernalia accused due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict Section 21 compliance.
Chain of Custody in Drug Busts: Why Witnesses Must Be Present at Seizure
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over missing chain of custody witnesses, stressing Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
Regular vs Project Employee: When Rehiring Without a Fixed Term Creates Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a project employee becomes regular, securing tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When a Transfer Is Not Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal, balancing management prerogative against tenurial security.
Acquittal Due to Chain of Custody Breach: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug accused due to fatal chain of custody breaches, reinforcing that strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, protects the innocent.
Chain of Custody Failures in Drug Cases: Acquittal of Accused in Buy-Bust Operation
Supreme Court acquits two accused in drug case due to chain of custody violations, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Acquittal in Drug Cases: Why Chain of Custody Compliance Is Non-Negotiable
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Seafarers Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Referral and Compensability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails for skipping the mandatory third-doctor referral under the POEA-SEC.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital in drug cases. Learn the chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failure to secure required witnesses during drug evidence inventory can lead to acquittal.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring the chain of custody rule.
Airport Security VS Personal Rights Balancing Safety AND Consent IN Drug Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations clarifies when police must follow Section 21 of RA 9165 and how procedural lapses can lead to acquittal.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police breached the chain of custody rule under Section 21, RA 9165, creating reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance with Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 witness requirements, stressing the need for strict chain of custody compliance.
Mandatory Witness Rule in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to secure DOJ representative during inventory, reinforcing chain of custody rules.
Acquittal in Drug Case: When Police Lapses in Chain of Custody Lead to Freedom
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, explaining the chain of custody rule.