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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Attempted Trafficking in Persons: When Simulating a Birth and Taking Custody of a Child Leads to Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when simulating a birth and acquiring custody of a child constitutes attempted trafficking in persons under Philippine law.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Conspiracy and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, explaining conspiracy, possession, and chain of custody under RA 9165.
Fathers Can File VAWC Petitions for Abused Children Against the Mother
The Supreme Court clarifies that fathers may seek protection and custody orders under RA 9262 on behalf of children abused by their mothers.
Navigating Search Warrants Ensuring Rights AND Proper Procedure IN Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, showing how proper search warrant implementation and strict chain of custody lead to lawful seizure.
Navigating Search Warrants, Witness Presence, and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying rules on search warrant implementation, witness presence, and chain of custody under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Doubt in Drug Cases Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution fails to prove every link in the chain of custody, stressing the need for complete witness testimony.
Corporate Rehabilitation Mootness: When Successful Exit Ends Disputes
The Supreme Court dismisses as moot a dispute over the rehabilitation receiver's custody of mortgaged properties after Vitarich's successful rehabilitation exit.
Unwarranted Benefit: Dissecting Graft and Conspiracy in Optical Media Regulation
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and graft liability under RA 3019 in a case involving released pirated DVDs from OMB custody.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Justifiable Grounds for Inventory Location and the Chain of Custody Rule
Explaining when police may move drug inventory from the arrest site, and how the saving clause preserves convictions under RA 9165.
Lawyer Sanctioned for Misusing Court Custody of Levied Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for taking a vehicle under custodia legis without court approval, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Broken Chain of Custody: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquitted four accused in a drug case because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits four accused in a drug case, underscoring that a broken chain of custody can defeat the prosecution's case beyond reasonable doubt.
Broken Chains: How Mishandling Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure the required witnesses during inventory, explaining the strict chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 matters.
When a Warrantless Arrest Fails: The Adoma Case and the Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after an invalid hot pursuit arrest and broken chain of custody. Learn the rules.
Chain of Custody Imperfections Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies chain of custody rules in drug cases, showing how procedural lapses can lead to acquittal.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, showing how strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, preserves evidence integrity.
Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Possession of Explosives: Safeguarding Individual Liberties
The Supreme Court acquits a robbery suspect of illegal possession of explosives due to a broken chain of custody, underscoring the importance of procedural safeguards.
Navigating THE Chain Upholding Drug Convictions Through Strict Custody Protocols
A Lone Tip Is Not Enough: Probable Cause and Drug Transportation Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug transport accused when warrantless search rested on a solitary tip and chain of custody lapses.
Navigating the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why preserving evidence integrity is vital for conviction.
Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence: What Adoma v. People Teaches Law Enforcement
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying the rules on hot pursuit arrests and the chain of custody of seized evidence.
Understanding Intent and Chain of Custody in Drug Possession Cases Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a maintenance head of qualified theft, clarifying how intent to gain and possession must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.