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.
Hot Pursuit Arrests: When Is a Warrant Required in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the limits of warrantless hot pursuit arrests and the chain of custody rule for seized drugs.
Invalid Search Warrants: Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Seizures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after ruling that a search warrant covering two offenses is void, making seized evidence inadmissible.
Chain of Custody Integrity Key to Successful Drug Possession Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to unjustified non-compliance with Section 21 witness requirements under RA 9165.
Understanding Illegal Drug Possession: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a failed buy-bust becomes illegal possession, and what the chain of custody requires.
Warrantless Searches and Anonymous Tips: The Sapla Ruling on Police Powers and Privacy Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when police may conduct warrantless vehicle searches and why anonymous tips alone cannot justify intrusive searches.
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.
Unreasonable Suspicion Safeguarding Privacy Rights In Stop And Frisk Searches
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that a police officer's mere hunch cannot justify a stop and frisk search.
Reasonable Doubt When Police Testimony Fails in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police conduct an invalid warrantless arrest and break chain of custody rules.
When Police Lapses in Drug Cases Lead to Acquittal: The Gamboa Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
Distinguishing Employees From Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains the control test for distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor law disputes.
Possession vs Dominion: Defining Illegal Drug Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies actual vs constructive possession of illegal drugs, and when spouses sharing a home may both be liable.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails in Drug Possession Case: People v. Mariano
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused where prosecution evidence fails to prove possession beyond reasonable doubt.