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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Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from a Drug Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust operation clarifies the rules on warrantless arrests, chain of custody, and the defenses of denial and frame-up.
Entrapment vs. Instigation: Protecting Rights in Drug-Related Arrests
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in drug arrests, and the rules on chain of custody.
Illegal Search Evidence Inadmissible Even If Illegal Arrest Is Waived
Waiving objection to an illegal arrest does not waive the right against illegal search; seized drugs are inadmissible evidence.
Upholding Warrantless Arrests: The Limits of Challenging Drug Possession Evidence
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when warrantless arrests and seizures in drug cases are valid, and when procedural lapses still allow conviction.
Sobriety vs Perception: Protecting Rights During Traffic Stops in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a driver of drunk driving and resisting arrest, clarifying that smelling of alcohol is not the same as being under its influence.
Limits of Warrantless Arrests: Probable Cause and Immediacy in Hot Pursuit
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of warrantless arrests under Rule 113, Section 5(b), focusing on probable cause and immediacy in hot pursuit cases.
Validity OF BUY Bust Operations Upholding Warrantless Arrests AND Drug Evidence Integrity
Warrantless Searches Upholding Arrests AND Evidence Admissibility IN Drug Cases
When a warrantless arrest is lawful, a search incident to it is valid, and drugs seized are admissible in evidence.
Warrantless Arrest and Admissibility of Evidence: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless arrest is lawful and how evidence seized incident to that arrest remains admissible in drug cases.
Judicial Independence and the Court's Power to Review Probable Cause for Arrest
When can a judge dismiss a case for lack of probable cause despite the prosecutor's finding? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review.
Drug Buy-Bust Operations: When Non-Compliance With Evidence Rules Is Not Fatal
In People v. Salvador, the Supreme Court ruled that failure to inventory and photograph seized drugs does not automatically void an arrest if evidence integrity is preserved.
Buy-Bust Operations: Warrantless Arrests and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to preserve the chain of custody, explaining the rules on buy-bust operations and evidence.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions in People v. Mendoza, clarifying buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and evidence integrity under RA 9165.
Buy-Bust Operations, Warrantless Arrests, and Preserving Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court upholds a shabu conviction, clarifying rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.
Unlawful Arrest and Illegal Drug Possession: Protecting Constitutional Rights
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to unlawful warrantless arrest, emphasizing constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales: Key Distinctions from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court distinguishes entrapment from instigation in drug cases, explaining why a buy-bust arrest remains valid when criminal intent originates from the accused.
Unlawful Arrest and the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights
Explore how an unlawful warrantless arrest led to acquittal in a drug case under the exclusionary rule and fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.
Judge Dinopol Case: Due Process and Judicial Immunity in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court found Judge Oscar Dinopol guilty of gross ignorance of the law for issuing arrest orders without notice and hearing, but shielded him from civil damages.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests: What the Supreme Court Requires in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies what makes a buy-bust arrest valid and how chain of custody of seized drugs must be preserved.
Robbery With Homicide Conviction Upheld Despite Claims of Illegal Arrest and Lack of Counsel
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that illegal arrest claims are waived if not raised before plea, and that police line-ups are not part of custodial investigation.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs and the Credibility of Testimony
In People v. Maraorao, the Supreme Court acquitted an accused after finding a glaring inconsistency in the arresting officer's testimony on who held the bag of shabu.
When Are Warrantless Arrests and Searches Legal in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine law allows warrantless arrests and searches, the legal limits, and what to do if your rights are violated.
Extrajudicial Confessions and Buy-Bust Operations: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when warrantless arrests and drug evidence remain valid despite procedural lapses in buy-bust operations.
Caught in the Act: Upholding Warrantless Arrests in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when police may arrest without a warrant under the in flagrante delicto rule in drug cases.