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.
Moral Ascendancy and Statutory Rape: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and recantation are treated under Philippine law.
Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes: Lessons from Mariano v. G.V. Florida Transport
A Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for serious misconduct but liability for procedural due process lapses, unpaid wages, and 13th month pay.
Corporate Rehabilitation and Conservatorship: Key Insights from the CAP Pension Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries between corporate rehabilitation and conservatorship, and the limits of a rehabilitation court's jurisdiction over subsidiary corporations.
Proper Search Procedures in Drug Possession Cases: Insights from Quilet v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict due to irregular strip search, flawed marking, and missing 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.
Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice in Criminal Appeals
The Supreme Court recalls an entry of judgment and reinstates a drug conviction appeal, showing when procedural lapses yield to substantive justice.
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.
Why Witness Presence in Drug Seizures Matters: People v. Abueva
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during seizure and inventory. Learn the rules.
The Best Evidence Rule in Disciplinary Proceedings: Lessons from Basagan v. Espina
A disbarment complaint fails when complainants submit only photocopies. The Supreme Court explains why the Best Evidence Rule applies to lawyer discipline cases.
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.
Illegal Drug Sales in the Philippines: When Is the Transaction Complete?
The Supreme Court clarifies what completes an illegal drug sale under RA 9165, a key ruling for buy-bust operations and criminal defense.
Chain of Custody and the Death of an Accused: Key Lessons from People v. Maylon
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Maylon on chain of custody in drug cases and the effect of an accused's death pending appeal.
The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Insulating Witnesses Matter
A look at People v. Flores, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused due to a broken chain of custody under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Ramos
A buy-bust conviction reversed for broken chain of custody. Learn the Section 21 rules and practical compliance tips.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody—what Section 21 requires and why witness presence matters.
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.
Compromised Chain of Custody A Blow to Drug Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when inventory lacked DOJ representative, stressing strict chain of custody compliance under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case due to the police's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165, emphasizing the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Ensuring Justice: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying that marking and inventory may be done at the police station, not necessarily at the arrest site.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Malversed Funds in the Philippines
When public funds go missing, Philippine law presumes the accountable officer misappropriated them. Learn how courts apply this rule.
Chain of Custody Breach Acquits Drug Transport Accused: Musa v. People
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case due to a broken chain of custody and unproven transport, reinforcing strict rules.
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.
Strict 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, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Flaws in Drug Evidence Chain of Custody and Rights in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects when police fail to strictly follow Section 21 chain of custody rules under RA 9165.