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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Acquittal in Drug Case: Why Broken Chain of Custody Fatal to Prosecution
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to inventory, photograph, and preserve seized shabu, breaking the chain of custody.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why lapses can lead to acquittal.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Evidence Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits in People v. Suan due to broken chain of custody and unproven drug identity—key lessons for drug case litigation.
Reasonable Doubt and Rape Allegations: Lessons from People v. Bacus on Circumstantial Evidence
When can physical impossibility and medical findings overcome a rape accusation? The Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Bacus explains.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Built on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome reasonable doubt, emphasizing rigorous scrutiny of complainant's testimony.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal in Drug Cases Due to Procedural Lapses in Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Why Police Procedure Matters: Acquittal in Drug Cases and the Weight of Evidence
A buy-bust operation's failure to follow Section 21 of RA 9165 led to an acquittal. Learn the rules on evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring the strict rule on preserving evidence integrity.
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Negligence by Preponderance of Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically erase civil liability if negligence is proven by preponderance of evidence.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal: Quasi-Contracts and Unjust Enrichment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when an acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability, citing quasi-contracts and solutio indebiti.
Double Jeopardy and Acquittal: The Grave Threats Case of Tiu v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms that an acquittal in a grave threats case bars further prosecution, explaining double jeopardy rules.
Conspiracy and Acquittal: When Can a Private Citizen Be Liable in Graft Cases
Explains when private persons can be charged with graft under Section 3(g) of RA 3019, and what happens when the co-accused public officer is acquitted.
When Acquittal Extinguishes Civil Liability: Understanding Reckless Imprudence Cases
Learn how acquittal in reckless imprudence cases affects civil liability, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and key legal principles.
Circumstantial Evidence and DNA in Rape with Homicide: When Conviction Stands Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when inconclusive DNA results do not warrant acquittal.
Doubt IN Rape Cases Inconsistent Testimony Leads TO Acquittal
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, stressing strict proof of the seized drug's identity.
Integrity OF Evidence Acquittal IN Drug Cases DUE TO Procedural Lapses IN Evidence Handling
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Unreliable Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Rape Case
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome the constitutional presumption of innocence and prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Grave Misconduct and Dismissal of Court Personnel: Acquittal in Criminal Case Does Not Bar Administrative Liab
The Supreme Court explains why a court aide's acquittal in a rape case did not prevent his dismissal for grave misconduct from judicial service.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion: Protecting Acquittals From Reversal
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and how grave abuse of discretion is the only exception.
Presumption OF Innocence Prevails Absence OF Direct Evidence Leads TO Acquittal IN Theft Case
Bouncing Checks Acquittal: When Lack of Notice of Dishonor Leads to Acquittal and Reduced Civil Liability
SC acquits in B.P. 22 case for lack of proof of notice of dishonor, but reduces unconscionable 10% monthly interest to 12% per annum.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Inconsistent Evidence Leads TO Acquittal IN Drug Cases
Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Affirming Conviction Despite Co-Conspirators' Acquittal
Conviction of one conspirator can stand despite acquittal of co-accused, as the Supreme Court affirms in People v. Dulay.