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.
Strict Compliance with Chain of Custody Rules in Drug Cases: People v. Acub
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to strictly comply with Section 21, RA 9165, on chain of custody.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases and the Right to Bail: Key Lessons from People v. Tanes
The Supreme Court explains how lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can weaken evidence of guilt and support an accused's right to bail.
Bail in Drug Cases: When Broken Chain of Custody Weakens Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when a broken chain of custody in drug cases weakens evidence of guilt, affecting a defendant's right to bail.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Safeguards in Evidence Handling Matter
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite police lapses, but warns that procedural shortcuts can undermine the integrity of seized evidence.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Gaps in Evidence Handling Can Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict chain of custody requirements in drug cases, acquitting accused due to unaccounted gaps in evidence handling.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody and Section 21 non-compliance, underscoring strict evidentiary rules.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Witness Presence in Drug Cases
Explore why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to missing required witnesses during inventory, highlighting crucial procedural safeguards.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Every Link Matters After People v. Tumangong
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police broke chain of custody rules. Learn the four links and why compliance is critical.
Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs: Conviction Upheld in Buy-Bust Operation
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for illegal sale of shabu, explaining the elements of the crime and the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Witness Presence Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Drug Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to police lapses in the chain of custody, reinforcing the protection of individual rights.
Sheriff Duties and Neglect in Attachment Cases: Protecting Your Property Rights
Learn how sheriffs must handle attached properties, their inventory duties, and what happens when they neglect these responsibilities.
Challenging Drug Convictions: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how broken chain of custody and flawed inventory can lead to acquittal in drug possession cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody Breach Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Crispo
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Lim Ching
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165, safeguarding the accused's right to proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Trademark Infringement and Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Breach of Trust Justifies Termination Despite Weak Theft Evidence
Philippine Auto Components v. Jumadla clarifies when loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissal even if serious misconduct is not proven.
Res Judicata in Estate Proceedings: Teng v. Ting on Re-Litigating Ownership
The Supreme Court in Teng v. Ting bars re-litigating ownership in estate cases once a prior final judgment has settled the issue.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from People v. Eda
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the elements of illegal sale and possession and the rules on chain of custody under RA 9165.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from a Drug Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust operation clarifies the rules on warrantless arrests, chain of custody, and the defenses of denial and frame-up.
Entrapment vs. Instigation: Legal Boundaries in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Upholding Warrantless Arrests: The Limits of Challenging Drug Possession Evidence
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when warrantless arrests and seizures in drug cases are valid, and when procedural lapses still allow conviction.
Upholding Conviction in Drug Cases: The Importance of Timely Objections to Chain of Custody
Learn why raising chain of custody objections late in drug cases fails, and how timely objections protect accused persons under RA 9165.