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.
When Evidence Is Tainted: Marking Seized Drugs and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to mark seized drugs immediately can break the chain of custody and lead to acquittal.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Lim Ching
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165, safeguarding the accused's right to proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty, Damage, and the Limits of Reliance
When does altering a date on a purchase order become falsification? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good-faith reliance for public officers.
Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts: Police Power, Not Eminent Domain
The Supreme Court upheld the 20% senior citizen and PWD medicine discounts as a valid exercise of police power, not eminent domain requiring just compensation.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule may be excused in drug cases, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Substantiation of Tax Deductions: Proper Documentation Under Philippine Tax Law
Philippine law requires proper documentation for tax deductions, including PWD discounts. Learn the rules and substantiation requirements.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from People v. Eda
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the elements of illegal sale and possession and the rules on chain of custody under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Marking Seized Evidence Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break the chain of custody, stressing strict evidence handling rules.
Navigating the Chain: Establishing Drug Possession and Extortion Defenses in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh buy-bust evidence, chain of custody, and the disfavored defense of extortion in drug cases.
Unlawful Arrests and Admissibility of Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Drug Cases
When a warrantless arrest is invalid, evidence seized from the accused becomes inadmissible. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
Malicious Prosecution: Holding Employers Accountable for Unjust Accusations
When employers file baseless criminal charges against workers, they may face damages for malicious prosecution. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
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: Legal Boundaries in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
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.
Upholding Conviction in Drug Cases: The Importance of Timely Objections to Chain of Custody
Learn why raising chain of custody objections late in drug cases fails, and how timely objections protect accused persons under RA 9165.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process
Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that police non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules can defeat drug prosecutions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Integrity of Evidence Matters for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police failure to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
Dismissal for Drug Use Upholding Integrity in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for shabu use, ruling it grave misconduct that tarnishes the Judiciary's image and integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why minor procedural lapses do not automatically acquit an accused.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 suffices when the drug's integrity and evidentiary value are preserved.
Jail Officers Negligence Defining Gross Misconduct in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on when a jail officer's negligence and consent to a prisoner's escape constitutes gross misconduct in public service.