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.
Unlawful Restraint Establishing Intent in Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention
The Supreme Court explains how acts of clubbing, sacking, and carrying a victim establish the intent to deprive liberty under Article 267.
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.
Presumption of Regularity vs Presumption of Innocence in Drug Cases: A Safeguard for the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that procedural lapses in buy-bust operations defeat the presumption of regularity and uphold the presumption of innocence.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
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 in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
When a Knife Threat After Rape Does Not Qualify the Crime: People v. Tagle
The Supreme Court clarifies when the use of a deadly weapon qualifies rape to a graver penalty, and when it does not.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Slight Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a harmful act is attempted murder or only slight physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill.
Compromised Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect because police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with RA 9165 evidence rules.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspect Over Missing Witnesses in Buy-Bust Operation
SC acquits drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during buy-bust inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Individual Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules, protecting the accused's rights.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Case for Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence and doubtful identification cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court raises penalty for psychological abuse committed via Facebook, ruling ICT use qualifies for one-degree higher punishment under RA 10175.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why the Drug Itself Must Be Proven
Philippine Supreme Court acquits in drug sale case over broken chain of custody. Learn the strict rules on evidence integrity under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Breach Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
A drug sale conviction overturned because police photographed the wrong sachet, breaking the chain of custody and compromising evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring strict chain of custody rules.
Certiorari as Remedy Challenging Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases
When can you file certiorari against an Ombudsman ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for complainants when the Ombudsman absolves a respondent.
Safeguarding Rights Chain OF Custody AND Drug Case Acquittals IN THE Philippines
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21's witness requirements during inventory.
Lodging Liability When Hotel Owners Promote Human Trafficking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hotel owner liability for promoting trafficking under RA 9208, based on circumstantial evidence.
Exclusionary Rule and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Primer
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case for the prosecution's failure to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the chain of custody rule.
Distinguishing Robbery From Theft The Necessity of Violence or Intimidation in Taking Personal Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a snatching is theft, not robbery, and what the prosecution must prove.
Rape Penetration Without Hymenal Rupture: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration and hymenal rupture are not required for rape conviction under Philippine law.
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Valid Warrantless Arrest and Seizure in Illegal Drug Transportation
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for transporting marijuana, clarifying valid warrantless arrests, Section 21 compliance, and the chain of custody rule.