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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Consent Is Key: Why Force, Threat, or Intimidation Matters in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused after the prosecution fails to prove force or intimidation, underscoring that consent—or its absence—is the crux of every rape charge.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Bribery Case Due to Inconsistent Testimony
Supreme Court acquits prosecutor of direct bribery, ruling that inconsistent prosecution testimony failed to prove the gift was given in consideration of official action.
Reasonable Doubt When Evidence Fails to Prove Illegal Drug Transport
The Supreme Court acquits three accused of transporting shabu where prosecution failed to prove they were on board the vehicle and broke the chain of custody.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects due to the prosecution's failure to comply with the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Is Key to a Fair Trial
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the prosecution's duty to prove evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate in a drug possession case due to the prosecution's failure to justify non-compliance with the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt and Illegal Drug Possession: When Mere Presence Isn't Enough
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate of drug possession, ruling that failure to comply with the chain of custody witness requirement undermines the prosecution's case.
When Can Prosecution Amend an Information? Formal vs Substantial Amendment Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when the prosecution may amend a criminal information after arraignment, distinguishing formal from substantial amendments under Rule 110.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Lone Witness Testimony Fails to Convict
Supreme Court acquits accused of illegal firearm possession where prosecution relied solely on a compromised lone witness, underscoring proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Speedy Disposition Right Is Not a Shield for Delaying Justice: People v. Diaz
The Supreme Court clarifies that the right to speedy disposition is not violated by mere delay, especially when the prosecution explains the reasons.
When Buy-Bust Operations Fail: Why Inconsistent Police Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, underscoring the prosecution's burden of proof.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Key Witnesses Contradict Each Other in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, undermining proof beyond reasonable doubt.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.
When Police Break the Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165, highlighting a strict standard for drug prosecutions.
Chain of Custody and Admissibility of Evidence in Illegal Drug Cases: A Deep Dive
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for the prosecution's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165 on chain of custody.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, highlighting strict requirements.
Simple Rape Conviction: Credibility of Victim’s Testimony and Burden of Proof
A look at how Philippine courts weigh a rape victim’s testimony, credibility, and the prosecution’s burden of proof in simple rape cases.
Judicial Review of Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Hasty Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan's power to dismiss criminal cases when evidence fails to establish probable cause against accused public officials.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
How failure to follow Section 21 of RA 9165 can destroy the prosecution's case and uphold the accused's presumption of innocence.
Reasonable Doubt in Qualified Theft: When Missing Proof Means Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted an accounting-in-charge of qualified theft when the prosecution failed to prove taking and intent.
Bail in Capital Offenses: Evidence of Guilt Must Match the Crime Charged
A murder charge does not automatically mean no bail; the prosecution must show strong evidence of murder, not just any wrongdoing.
Election Offenses and Double Jeopardy: The Limits of Prosecutorial Power in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal in an election offense case is final, and why the prosecution cannot appeal it without violating double jeopardy.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal in Drug Case Due to Chain of Custody Lapses
Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects after prosecution fails to justify missing media witness in chain of custody.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How One Missing Witness Led to Acquittal
In People v. Dela Cruz, the Supreme Court acquitted two drug accused because the prosecution failed to justify the absence of a media witness during inventory.