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.
Navigating the Chain: Establishing Drug Possession and Extortion Defenses in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh buy-bust evidence, chain of custody, and the disfavored defense of extortion in drug cases.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over broken chain of custody, stressing Section 21 compliance for seized evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Marking Seized Items Immediately Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possessor due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing the critical importance of immediate marking of seized items.
Challenging Buy-Bust Operations: Upholding Regularity and Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buy-bust operations are valid, how to rebut the presumption of police regularity, and limits of drug paraphernalia liability.
When Police Break the Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug possession convicts after a lone officer broke chain-of-custody rules, reaffirming that proof beyond reasonable doubt cannot rest on presumption of regularity.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Possession Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Drug Sales: Key Lessons from People v. Aure
A look at how Philippine courts apply proof beyond reasonable doubt in drug sale cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Aure.
Possession vs. Sale: Proving the Distinction in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies why illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs are separate crimes requiring distinct proof, acquitting on one charge.
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.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction but orders return of items seized beyond the search warrant, underscoring strict limits on police discretion.
Constructive Possession of Illegal Drugs: Proximity Alone Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence near illegal drugs does not prove constructive possession; dominion and control are required.
Breach of Trust and Employee Dismissal: When Is It Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dismissal for breach of trust is justified, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice in labor cases.
Possession vs Dominion: Defining Illegal Drug Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies actual vs constructive possession of illegal drugs, and when spouses sharing a home may both be liable.
When an Overbroad Search Threatens Individual Rights: The Plain View Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when warrantless seizures under the plain view doctrine are valid and when they violate constitutional rights.
Search Warrant Validity and Plain View Doctrine in Drug Possession Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on search warrant requirements, plain view doctrine, and inadmissible evidence in drug possession cases.
Evidence Admissibility and Right to Counsel in Drug Cases: Gutang v. People
Supreme Court clarifies when signed receipts are inadmissible in drug cases and when drug test results remain valid evidence.
Navigating Illegal Drug Possession Cases: Rights and Reclusion Perpetua
Understanding the Supreme Court's ruling on drug possession, constitutional rights during warrantless searches, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua.