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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The Limits of Certiorari and the Finality of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an acquittal can still carry civil liability, and the procedural consequences of filing a demurrer to evidence.
Understanding Double Jeopardy When Can an Acquittal Be Challenged in the Philippines
Learn when an acquittal can be challenged in the Philippines through this case on statutory rape and double jeopardy protections.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Delayed Marking Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over delayed marking of seized shabu, explaining the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
When a Demurrer to Evidence Means Acquittal: Double Jeopardy in Graft Cases
A look at People v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 233437) on double jeopardy, demurrer to evidence, and proof of graft charges.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: What People v. Baja Means for Philippine Criminal Cases
A granted demurrer to evidence is an acquittal. The Supreme Court explains why further prosecution is barred by double jeopardy.
Good Faith Defense in Graft Cases: Insights from the Feliciano and Aquitania Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted water district officials of graft and malversation, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for good faith actions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify deviations from Section 21 of RA 9165, highlighting the importance of chain of custody.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police failure to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Burden of Proof and Inconsistent Testimony: Acquittal in Robbery with Rape Case
The Supreme Court acquits in a robbery with rape case due to material inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence, underscoring the burden of proof.
Reasonable Doubt and Acquittal: Inconsistent Testimonies in Philippine Homicide Cases
How inconsistent prosecution testimonies can create reasonable doubt and lead to acquittal in Philippine homicide cases, as shown in Balina v. People.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: Preponderance of Evidence in Philippine Law
An acquittal does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn how preponderance of evidence applies in Philippine law.
Understanding Double Jeopardy When an Acquittal Can Be Challenged in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and when it can be challenged, using a child abuse case as an example.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Broken Link Can Lead to Acquittal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and why each matters.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Offense Cases: A Guide
Learn the strict chain-of-custody rules under RA 9165 that can make or break a drug case, explained through a recent Supreme Court acquittal.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules. Learn the requirements.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the mandatory presence of insulating witnesses under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and insulating witness rules under RA 9165.
Understanding Drug Transportation and Chain of Custody Rules From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust case clarifies when lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can lead to acquittal.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule. Learn the requirements.
When an Acquittal Does Not Bar Damages: Article 33 Civil Actions in the Philippines
An acquittal based on reasonable doubt does not bar a separate civil action for damages under Article 33 of the Civil Code. Learn the rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Insulating Witnesses Can Lead to Acquittal
A buy-bust conviction was reversed because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why It Determines Conviction or Acquittal
The Supreme Court explains how strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 secures drug convictions.
Chain of Custody Gaps and Missing Witnesses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to justify missing Section 21 witnesses, breaking the chain of custody.
Acquittal Due to Chain of Custody Breach: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug accused due to fatal chain of custody breaches, reinforcing that strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, protects the innocent.