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 Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Quijano
The Supreme Court explains when a conviction for illegal drug possession stands despite chain of custody issues and claims of lack of knowledge.
Understanding Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Convictions: Insights from Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abuse of superior strength as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explaining how numbers and frailty establish it.
Witness Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts should assess a rape victim's credibility, rejecting gender stereotypes while affirming that conviction can rest on credible testimony alone.
When a Sleeping Victim Meets Treachery: Insights from People v. Dela Peña
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction where the victim was stabbed while asleep, explaining treachery and self-defense under Philippine law.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Supreme Court Ruling on Illegal Sale and Possession
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the chain of custody rule in drug cases, affirming convictions for illegal sale and possession of shabu.
Chain of Custody Upholding Drug Convictions Through Procedural Compliance
How strict adherence to Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rule preserved the drug evidence and secured a conviction for illegal sale of shabu.
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.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: The Latogan Doctrine
The Supreme Court in Latogan v. People relaxed procedural rules to prevent a grave injustice, protecting a defendant's right to appeal a murder conviction.
Eyewitness Identification Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt In Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a homicide conviction based on positive eyewitness identification by the victim's daughters, prevailing over the accused's denial.
Eyewitness Testimony and Homicide Conviction: Proving Identity Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a homicide conviction based on positive eyewitness identification, ruling that denial cannot prevail over credible testimony.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Robbery with Homicide: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence and conspiracy, and what this means for criminal cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failure to secure required witnesses during drug evidence inventory can lead to acquittal.
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.
Breaking the Chain: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Protocols
A drug conviction reversed because police broke the chain of custody. Learn the strict evidence rules in Philippine drug cases.
Accountability Despite Initial Intent Murder Conviction Upheld Absent Treachery BUT With Weakened Defense Qualifying Circumstance
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What the Supreme Court Requires for Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's strict chain of custody rule in drug cases and why procedural lapses led to acquittal in People v. Zapanta.
Understanding Lascivious Conduct AND Rape Convictions Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Is Not Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery cannot be presumed from suddenness alone, reducing a murder conviction to homicide in People v. Bulutano.
Calling Someone a Thief in Public Can Be Slander: Key Lessons from a Condo Dispute
A heated condo dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn when public accusations of theft become criminal oral defamation in the Philippines.
Condominium Board Disputes and Slander: When Words Cross the Line
A condominium board dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn the legal boundaries of speech and the consequences of public accusations.
Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms that public Facebook posts causing mental anguish constitute psychological violence under RA 9262, with higher penalties for ICT use.
Treachery Unproven Conviction Reduced to Homicide Absent Deliberate Attack
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks do not automatically constitute treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Protecting Children From Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against an 11-year-old, clarifying penalties and damages.
When Death Ends a Rape Conviction: The Rule on Death Pending Appeal
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains what happens to rape and lasciviousness convictions when the accused dies before final judgment.