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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Upholding Conviction IN Drug Cases THE Importance OF Credible Testimony AND Chain OF Custody
Challenging Drug Convictions: Chain of Custody and Police Coordination Under RA 9165
How the Supreme Court treats chain of custody and police coordination in drug cases, and what this means for challenging convictions.
Preserving Integrity Ensuring Drug Evidence Validity Despite Procedural Lapses IN Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused because police failed to follow Section 21 procedures, casting doubt on evidence integrity.
Entrapment vs. Instigation: Safeguards Against Illegal Drug Sale Convictions
Explaining the difference between entrapment and instigation in buy-bust operations, and when courts may acquit in drug cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 suffices when the drug's integrity and evidentiary value are preserved.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Determines Guilt or Acquittal
The Supreme Court explains why strict compliance with the chain of custody rule in drug cases is essential to protect the accused from wrongful conviction.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases:
Dispensing With the Confidential Informant: Upholding Buy-Bust Operations in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a confidential informant's testimony is not indispensable in drug cases when police officers personally witness the illegal sale.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The Necessity of an Unbroken Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, underscoring the strict evidentiary standard.
Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales: Key Distinctions from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court distinguishes entrapment from instigation in drug cases, explaining why a buy-bust arrest remains valid when criminal intent originates from the accused.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains why the chain of custody matters in buy-bust drug cases and when its breach can defeat a conviction.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests: What the Supreme Court Requires in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies what makes a buy-bust arrest valid and how chain of custody of seized drugs must be preserved.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity for Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts apply the chain of custody rule in drug cases, using a 2013 Supreme Court ruling on airport searches.
When Courts Can No Longer Enforce Agreements: The Difference Between Entrapment and Instigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when police buy-bust operations are legal entrapment versus illegal instigation, and why the distinction matters in drug cases.
Challenging Drug Busts: The Chain of Custody Rule in Illegal Drug Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when airport searches are valid and how the chain of custody of seized drugs is established in Philippine drug cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Nacua Teaches About Safeguarding Evidence
In People v. Nacua, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug accused because police failed to follow the chain of custody rules under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Intent Determines Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, and why intent matters.
The Perils of Proximity: Proving Illegal Drug Sales Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Explore how Philippine courts weigh proximity and buy-bust evidence in drug cases, using People v. Hambora as a guide.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 suffices when the drug evidence's integrity remains intact.
BUY Bust Operations Upholding Convictions Despite Procedural Lapses IN Drug Cases 2
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Drug Cases Due to Broken Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, explaining why procedural lapses matter.
Chain of Custody in Drug Sale Convictions: What People v. Aneslag Teaches
The Supreme Court explains why preserving the integrity of seized drugs matters more than strict procedural compliance in drug cases.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Key Lessons
A Supreme Court ruling explains why strict compliance with chain of custody rules matters—and when minor lapses won't defeat a drug conviction.