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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Void Search Warrants and the Right Against Unreasonable Searches: Mendoza v. People
A void search warrant taints the arrest and evidence seized; waiver of arrest defects does not waive evidence inadmissibility.
Invalid Search Warrants: Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Seizures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after ruling that a search warrant covering two offenses is void, making seized evidence inadmissible.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Inordinate Delay in Preliminary Investigation Warrants Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, warranting dismissal.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Prosecution Delay Warrants Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence: Lessons from Adoma v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying the rules on warrantless arrests and the chain of custody of seized items.
Questioning a Search Warrant Is Not Obstruction of Justice: Fua v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a governor of obstruction of justice, ruling that questioning a search warrant's legality is a protected right, not a crime.
Limits to Zealous Advocacy: Offensive Language in Pleadings Warrants Suspension
Supreme Court reminds lawyers that zealous advocacy has limits—offensive language in pleadings violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and warrants suspension.
Unlawful Arrest and the Exclusionary Rule: Protecting Rights Against Illegal Marijuana Seizure
Supreme Court acquits in marijuana cultivation case, ruling that evidence from an unlawful warrantless arrest is inadmissible.
Adultery and Disbarment: When a Lawyer's Private Conduct Ends the Legal Career
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for an extramarital affair, affirming that gross immorality in private life warrants the ultimate professional sanction.
Unlawful Arrests and Inadmissible Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Firearm Cases
Warrantless arrest based on a hearsay tip, without immediacy, makes seized firearms inadmissible and warrants acquittal.
Unlawful Arrests and Inadmissible Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Illegal Possession Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted a man for illegal firearm possession due to an unlawful warrantless arrest and inadmissible evidence.
Speedy Disposition Right Prevails Over Six-Year Delay in Fertilizer Fund Scam Case
The Supreme Court ruled that a six-year delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, warranting dismissal.
Dead Incorporator in Articles of Incorporation: When Misrepresentation Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deceased incorporator in the Articles of Incorporation warrants revocation, and when amendment suffices.
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.
Unlawful Arrest and Evidence Suppression in Firearm Cases: A Constitutional Safeguard
The Supreme Court clarifies when warrantless arrests and seizures violate constitutional rights in firearm possession cases.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for Social Media Harassment
Supreme Court rules that using Facebook to commit psychological abuse under RA 9262 warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
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.
Probable Cause and Hot Pursuit: When Police Can Make a Warrantless Arrest
The Supreme Court clarifies the "hot pursuit" exception to the warrant requirement, explaining when police may arrest without a warrant.
Unreasonable Searches Evidence Inadmissible When Police Exceed Warrant Scope
When police exceed a search warrant's scope and violate Section 21, seized evidence becomes inadmissible, potentially leading to case dismissal.
Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.
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.
Protecting Public Health: FDA's Power to Seize Hazardous Products Without a Warrant
The Supreme Court upholds FDA's warrantless seizure power over hazardous health products as a valid exercise of police power.
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.