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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Chain of Custody and Illegal Drugs: Safeguarding Rights and Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, underscoring the strict chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Marking at Nearest Office Is Sufficient for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that marking seized drugs at the nearest police station or office of the apprehending team satisfies the chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Quilang Means for Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court explains when marking seized drugs at the police station, not at the arrest site, still satisfies the chain of custody rule.
Safeguarding Rights: Strict Chain of Custody Critical in Drug Cases
Philippine jurisprudence demands an unbroken chain of custody for seized drugs; gaps in the links can invalidate a conviction and restore the presumption of innocence.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Seized Drugs and Fair Conviction
Why the chain of custody rule in drug cases matters, and how lapses affect the integrity of evidence and the accused's conviction.
When Evidence Is Tainted: Marking Seized Drugs and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to mark seized drugs immediately can break the chain of custody and lead to acquittal.
Challenging Drug Evidence: Strict Compliance for Miniscule Amounts
When only a tiny amount of drugs is seized, courts demand strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165. A conviction was overturned for marking lapses.
Chain of Custody and the Integrity of Drug Evidence: Safeguarding Against Tampering
When only a miniscule amount of drugs is seized, strict chain of custody compliance is required. The Supreme Court explains why.
When Police Power Becomes Criminal Extortion As Kidnapping FOR Ransom
A police officer who kidnaps and extorts ransom acts in a private capacity and may be prosecuted for kidnapping under Article 267, even if the victim was later arrested for drugs.
Delivery vs Sale in Drug Cases: When a Courier Becomes a Seller
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between illegal sale and illegal delivery of dangerous drugs under RA 9165, and the importance of consideration.
Due Process in Reproductive Health: FDA Must Hear Opposition to Contraceptives
The Supreme Court ruled that the FDA must observe due process—notice and hearing—when certifying contraceptive drugs, affirming the remand in the RH Law case.
Possession of Illegal Drugs: How Philippine Courts Prove Intent Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In Luy v. People, the Supreme Court explains how intent to possess illegal drugs is proved, and why mere denial rarely defeats a charge under R.A. 9165.
Beyond the Sale: Illegal Delivery of Drugs Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that handing over drugs without payment is illegal delivery under RA 9165, not mere possession.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Sale Convictions: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court explains what makes a buy-bust operation valid and how the chain of custody of seized drugs must be preserved.
Distinguishing Illegal Sale From Illegal Delivery of Dangerous Drugs Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of illegal sale of dangerous drugs under RA 9165 and why sale, not mere delivery, was proven in this buy-bust case.
Illegal Search Evidence Inadmissible Even If Illegal Arrest Is Waived
Waiving objection to an illegal arrest does not waive the right against illegal search; seized drugs are inadmissible evidence.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Philippine Law Guards Against Evidence Tampering
In People v. Bontuyan, the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction and explained how the chain of custody preserves the integrity of seized drugs.
Upholding Drug Sale Conviction: Integrity of Evidence Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, ruling that procedural lapses under Section 21 do not automatically render seized drugs inadmissible if chain of custody remains intact.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Cerdon Teaches About Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs will and will not invalidate a conviction under RA 9165.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Integrity of the Chain of Custody Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, explaining that minor deviations from Section 21 procedures do not automatically render seized drugs inadmissible.
Warrantless Searches Upholding Arrests AND Evidence Admissibility IN Drug Cases
When a warrantless arrest is lawful, a search incident to it is valid, and drugs seized are admissible in evidence.
The Vital Chain Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs, explained through People v. Yable.
Dangerous Drugs Act: Why Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165 safeguards.
Drug Buy-Bust Operations: When Non-Compliance With Evidence Rules Is Not Fatal
In People v. Salvador, the Supreme Court ruled that failure to inventory and photograph seized drugs does not automatically void an arrest if evidence integrity is preserved.