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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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.
Chain of Custody Lapses Overturn Drug Conviction: People v. Roales
Supreme Court acquits drug offender due to unjustified lapses in Section 21 chain of custody procedure, stressing strict compliance.
Rape of Person With Mental Disability: Supreme Court Affirms Qualified Rape Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction where the offender knew the victim was mentally disabled, upholding enhanced penalties and damages.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Witness Presence in Drug Cases
Why a drug conviction was overturned when police skipped required witnesses and delayed marking evidence in a buy-bust operation.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession convict because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Conviction Overturned Due to Broken Chain of Custody in Drug Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police fail to justify gaps in the chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
The Weight of Witness Testimony Establishing Conspiracy in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and conspiracy in murder convictions, with practical guidance for building a strong case.
Protecting Children Upholding Convictions FOR Rape AND Lasciviousness IN THE Home
The Supreme Court affirms rape and lasciviousness convictions, clarifying the applicable law for sexual abuse of minors under RA 7610 and the Revised Penal Code.
Estafa Conviction Upheld for False Identity and Worthless Checks
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction where accused misrepresented identity and issued checks from a closed account to defraud complainant.
Bigamy Conviction Affirmed: Judicial Declaration of Nullity Required Before Remarriage
Supreme Court affirms bigamy conviction, ruling a spouse cannot remarry without a final judicial declaration of nullity of the prior marriage.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal Despite Presence at Crime Scene
A buy-bust conviction reversed because broken chain of custody created reasonable doubt on the seized drug's identity.
Public Bidding and Travel Permits: When Mayors Fall Under Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of two mayors for violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law over irregular medicine purchases and unauthorized travel reimbursements.
Falsification of Public Documents: Intent to Injure Not Required for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intent to injure is not an element of falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under the Revised Penal Code.
Robbery with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secures a Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Mancao on robbery with homicide, circumstantial evidence, and the presumption of guilt from possession of stolen property.
Conspiracy and Intent in Robbery with Homicide: Liability and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, intent to rob, and due process in robbery with homicide convictions.
Habeas Corpus and Due Process: When Counsel's Negligence Affects a Defendant's Rights
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence can—and cannot—justify habeas corpus relief after a criminal conviction.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction of Uncle Despite Defense Claims of Inconsistent Testimony
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, relying on the victim's credible testimony and medical evidence over the defense's claims of inconsistency.
Doubt in Eyewitness Testimony: When Unreliable Identification Overturns a Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a murder convict, ruling that unreliable eyewitness identification and inconsistent testimonies create reasonable doubt.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Chain of Custody Breach in Drug Cases
A PDEA buy-bust conviction reversed for broken chain of custody and missing Section 21 witnesses, reaffirming reasonable doubt in drug cases.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Strict Chain of Custody Matters
A PDEA buy-bust conviction was reversed because police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules. Learn the safeguards that protect accused persons in drug cases.
Acquittal in Drug Case Shows Why Procedural Lapses Matter
A PDEA buy-bust conviction was reversed because officers skipped Section 21 safeguards. Learn the chain of custody rules.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases Overcomes Defense of Denial
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, holding that a victim's credible, positive testimony prevails over the accused's bare denial.
When Drug Evidence Handling Holds Up: Lessons From a Shabu Possession Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how proper chain of custody over seized drugs can defeat an acquittal bid in Philippine drug cases.