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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Decides Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 preserves drug evidence integrity and sustains convictions.
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.
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.
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.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Based on Improbable Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a rape victim's testimony is too general to convict, and when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
The High Cost of Homicide: Establishing Liability in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts convict in robbery with homicide, from proving intent to the price of damages.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Treachery Unveiled: When Sudden Attack Does Not Mean Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attack alone does not prove treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
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.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
Attorney's Dishonored Checks and Evasion Lead to Two-Year Suspension
A lawyer who issued worthless checks and evaded arrest was suspended for two years, reaffirming the high standards of honesty required of the bar.
Testimony After Trauma: Res Gestae and Proving Guilt in Rape Cases
When a rape victim dies before trial, can her words still convict? The Supreme Court explains the res gestae exception to hearsay.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Strict Compliance or Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the chain of custody rule.
Retroactive Penalty Adjustment Under RA 10951: The Elbanbuena Guidelines
The Supreme Court explains how convicts can seek reduced sentences and possible release under RA 10951, even after final judgment.
Defining Probable Cause in Philippine Plunder Cases: Estrada v. Office of the Ombudsman
The Supreme Court explains the standard for probable cause in plunder cases and why courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
RA 10951 Penalty Adjustments Apply Even After Final Judgment: The Elbanbuena Case
The Supreme Court allows reopening final judgments to apply RA 10951's reduced penalties, remanding cases to trial courts for recomputation.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Piecemeal Compliance Led to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police conducted two separate inventories with different witnesses, breaking the chain of custody.
Failure to Comply with Drug Evidence Safeguards: Ramos v. People and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling shows why strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is vital in drug cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Good Faith Belief in Ownership Defeats Qualified Theft Charge
Supreme Court acquits spouses of qualified theft, ruling that honest belief in ownership negates intent to steal.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused due to unjustified gaps in the chain of custody, reaffirming the presumption of innocence.
Statutory Rape Conviction Modified to Simple Rape When Victim's Age Not Proven Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof required for statutory rape, modifying conviction to simple rape when victim's age wasn't established beyond reasonable doubt.
Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Illegal Drug Sale Case
A broken chain of custody and lapses under Section 21 of RA 9165 led the Supreme Court to acquit an accused in an illegal drug sale case.