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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Police Lapses Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police lapses in Section 21 chain of custody, reaffirming presumption of innocence.
Stop and Frisk During Election Periods: When Police Searches Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless stop and frisk search is valid, using an election gun ban case as an example.
When Police Searches Go Wrong: Acquittal in a Carnapping Case
A look at how illegal searches and inadmissible confessions led to an acquittal in a carnapping case, and what this means for criminal procedure.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Witness Distance Undermines Drug Sale Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to secure required witnesses at arrest scene, breaking chain of custody.
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.
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Drug Chain OF Custody IN Philippine LAW
When police break the chain of custody for seized drugs, the accused may be acquitted. Learn the rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Safeguards in Evidence Handling Matter
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite police lapses, but warns that procedural shortcuts can undermine the integrity of seized evidence.
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.
Ensuring Drug Integrity: Upholding Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court explains when marking drugs at the police station instead of the arrest site still satisfies the chain of custody rule.
Navigating the Chain: Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when marking drugs at the police station instead of the arrest site still satisfies the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Angkas and the Regulation of Ride-Hailing Services: Balancing Innovation and Public Safety
The Supreme Court ruled that motorcycle ride-hailing services like Angkas are subject to LTFRB regulation, affirming the State's police power over public transportation.
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.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Custody Rules
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke the chain of custody, and what this means for your rights.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Every Link Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody. Learn the four links and what must be proven.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, emphasizing the need for insulating witnesses.
Chain of Custody Breakdown: Drug Evidence Integrity and the Reasonable Doubt Standard
When police break the chain of custody in drug cases, the Supreme Court may acquit—even if the accused was caught in a buy-bust.
Chain of Custody Breakdown When Drug Evidence Fails the Test
When police skip required witnesses in drug busts, the evidence fails—and the accused walks free. A look at People v. Balderrama.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police noncompliance with Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of regularity cannot replace strict compliance.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police failure to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of regularity cannot replace strict compliance.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Noncompliance Means Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect for police failure to comply with Section 21 chain of custody requirements under RA 9165.
Compromised Chain of Custody Acquittal in Drug Cases Due to Witness Absence
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when police fail to justify missing DOJ and media witnesses during inventory.
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 and Chain of Custody: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases
How the Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects due to police failure to follow Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rules.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Anti-Drug Operations
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke chain of custody rules, reaffirming that procedural lapses can compromise evidence integrity.