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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Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Sale Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects where police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to observe chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how procedural lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs led to an acquittal in a Philippine drug case.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring the Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for illegal sale and possession of marijuana, ruling that the chain of custody over seized drugs was unbroken despite the accused's objections.
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.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug sale case due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody and Section 21 non-compliance, underscoring strict evidentiary rules.
Co-Ownership Disputes: How Inheritance and Sales Affect Land Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when administrative orders on land disputes become final and how co-ownership, inheritance, and sales affect property rights.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, clarifying the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and the required witnesses.
Chain of Custody Rule: Why Missing Media Witness Led to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted drug suspects due to unjustified non-compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
VAT Exemption for Agricultural Cooperatives: Protecting Farmers' Collective Interests
The Supreme Court affirms VAT exemption for agricultural cooperatives, protecting farmers' collective interests in sugar production and sales.
Unregistered Sale vs Registered Levy: Who Wins Under Philippine Property Law
A buyer who fails to register a sale may still defeat a later levy on execution if ownership had already passed, explains a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Weak Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how lapses in Section 21 chain of custody rules led to an acquittal in a drug sale case, and what this means for police procedures.
Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs: Conviction Upheld in Buy-Bust Operation
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for illegal sale of shabu, explaining the elements of the crime and the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Illegal Sale Cases
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to secure required witnesses under Section 21, RA 9165, reaffirming chain of custody rules.
Prior Sale Beats Inheritance: Supreme Court on Land Ownership Disputes
When a valid sale predates an inheritance claim, the buyer owns the land. The Supreme Court explains why Article 1544 on double sales does not apply.
Breach of Contract When Personal Notice in Foreclosure Is a Must
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale is void.
Contractual Integrity vs. Eminent Domain: The Limits of Interest Claims in Negotiated Land Sales
When the government buys land through a negotiated sale, the deed governs—interest claims not in the contract are barred.
Voluntary Sale vs. Eminent Domain: When Interest on Just Compensation Is Not Due
Supreme Court clarifies that in negotiated sales, landowners cannot claim legal interest absent a stipulation, unlike in expropriation.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: When Cancellation Is Valid Without Maceda Law
Supreme Court clarifies contract to sell rules, default judgments, and when Maceda Law does not apply to commercial property buyers.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why the Drug Itself Must Be Proven
Philippine Supreme Court acquits in drug sale case over broken chain of custody. Learn the strict rules on evidence integrity under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Breach Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
A drug sale conviction overturned because police photographed the wrong sachet, breaking the chain of custody and compromising evidence integrity.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Sale Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify missing required witnesses, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.