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 Breakdown When Drug Evidence Fails the Test
When police skip required witnesses in drug busts, the evidence fails—and the accused walks free. A look at People v. Balderrama.
Timely Objections in Philippine Courts: The Magsino Evidence Ruling
Learn when to object to expert testimony and documentary evidence in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's Magsino ruling.
Land Title Registration: Proving Government Approval and Continuous Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable, plus continuous possession for registration.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police noncompliance with Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of regularity cannot replace strict compliance.
Judicial Review of Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Hasty Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan's power to dismiss criminal cases when evidence fails to establish probable cause against accused public officials.
Correcting Civil Registry Errors: Ensuring Accurate Gender Identity Recognition
The Supreme Court clarifies when birth certificate corrections for name and sex are allowed, and how medical certificates are treated as evidence.
Substantial Evidence Standard in Disbarment Cases: Buntag v. Atty. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence standard in disbarment cases and reminds lawyers to put fee agreements in writing.
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.
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Ensuring Integrity OF Evidence 11
Breach of Trust Defining Just Cause for Termination in Philippine Employment Law
Philippine law requires breach of trust to be work-related, serious, and proven by substantial evidence before employers may validly terminate employees.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Proper Handling of Evidence Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with evidence rules.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Rules
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in a drug case due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody, reaffirming the strict evidentiary rules under RA 9165.
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases 2
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.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Anti-Drug Operations
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke chain of custody rules, reaffirming that procedural lapses can compromise evidence integrity.
Chain OF Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence IN Philippine LAW 4
Safeguarding Constitutional Rights: The High Cost of Defective Search Warrants in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullifies search warrants issued without a searching examination, reaffirming that evidence seized under void warrants is inadmissible.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal in Drug Case Due to Chain of Custody Lapses
Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects after prosecution fails to justify missing media witness in chain of custody.
Bail in Capital Offenses: Evidence of Guilt Must Match the Crime Charged
A murder charge does not automatically mean no bail; the prosecution must show strong evidence of murder, not just any wrongdoing.
Broken Chains Safeguarding Drug Evidence AND Ensuring Fair Trials
Deposition Notice Timeliness and Waiver in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on deposition notice requirements, waiver of defects, and the distinction between admissibility and weight of evidence.
Integrity of Evidence in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance with Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to procedural lapses in Section 21 compliance, emphasizing the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Burden of Proof in Property Disputes: Establishing Rights and Damages in Demolition Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that claimants in demolition cases must prove ownership and damages by preponderance of evidence.
Upholding Chain of Custody: Integrity of Drug Evidence in Buy-Bust Operations
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict Section 21 compliance and witness requirements.