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 Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
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.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police failure to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of regularity cannot replace strict compliance.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Noncompliance Means Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect for police failure to comply with Section 21 chain of custody requirements under RA 9165.
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.
Res Judicata and Preliminary Attachment: Protecting Judicial Stability in Debt Recovery
Learn how the Supreme Court applied res judicata and litis pendentia to bar a second certiorari petition challenging a writ of preliminary attachment in debt collection.
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.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
How failure to follow Section 21 of RA 9165 can destroy the prosecution's case and uphold the accused's presumption of innocence.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases
How the Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects due to police failure to follow Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rules.
Reasonable Doubt in Qualified Theft: When Missing Proof Means Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted an accounting-in-charge of qualified theft when the prosecution failed to prove taking and intent.
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.
When Police Lapses in Drug Seizures Lead to Acquittal: The Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules. Learn the requirements.
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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How One Missing Witness Led to Acquittal
In People v. Dela Cruz, the Supreme Court acquitted two drug accused because the prosecution failed to justify the absence of a media witness during inventory.
Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
Election Offenses and Double Jeopardy: The Limits of Prosecutorial Power in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal in an election offense case is final, and why the prosecution cannot appeal it without violating double jeopardy.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Protects Individual Rights
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for unjustified failure to secure a media witness during inventory, reaffirming strict chain of custody rules.
Due Process and the Chain of Custody Rule: Protecting the Accused in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to comply with the three-witness rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Ombudsmans Discretion Respecting Independence IN Graft Case Findings
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's wide discretion in graft preliminary investigations, respecting prosecutorial independence absent grave abuse.
Chain of Custody Breaches in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached Section 21's chain of custody rules. Learn the required safeguards.
Weak Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how lapses in Section 21 chain of custody rules led to an acquittal in a drug sale case, and what this means for police procedures.
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.
Dismissal Affirmed for Conduct Prejudicial to Public Service
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of fire inspector for second offense of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.