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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Good Faith Defense for Security Guards in Illegal Firearm Possession Cases
Supreme Court acquits security guard who relied on Duty Detail Order, ruling good faith is a valid defense in illegal firearm possession cases.
Unlawful Arrests and Illegal Searches: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Firearm Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession, ruling that a warrantless search based on a traffic violation and a hunch violates constitutional rights.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Firearm Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession, clarifying the limits of warrantless searches and the right against unreasonable searches.
Plain View Doctrine Upholds Warrantless Seizure in Illegal Firearm Possession
The Supreme Court affirms that a firearm seen tucked in a suspect's waist during a lawful police response falls under the plain view doctrine.
Unlawful Arrests and Inadmissible Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Illegal Possession Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted a man for illegal firearm possession due to an unlawful warrantless arrest and inadmissible evidence.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Lone Witness Testimony Fails to Convict
Supreme Court acquits accused of illegal firearm possession where prosecution relied solely on a compromised lone witness, underscoring proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Warrantless Arrest for Illegal Firearm Possession: Rights and Public Safety
The Supreme Court upholds a warrantless arrest for illegal firearm possession, clarifying the balance between constitutional rights and public safety.
Safeguarding Impartiality Upholding DUE Process IN Administrative Whistleblowing Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession due to police failure to mark evidence at the place of seizure, establishing new guidelines for firearms cases.
Election Gun Ban vs Illegal Firearm Possession: Avoiding Double Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person can be convicted of illegal firearm possession during an election gun ban period.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws Favoring the Accused in Illegal Firearm Possession
When a new penal law favors an accused, it applies retroactively. The Supreme Court explains this rule in an illegal firearm possession case.
When the Smoke Clears: Differentiating Robbery With Homicide From Illegal Firearm Possession
A bus holdup leads to a key ruling on when a gun found elsewhere cannot prove illegal possession, and how robbery-homicide is charged.
Unlicensed Firearm Use in Murder: Retroactive Law and Double Jeopardy Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retroactive application of R.A. 8294 and its effect on separate charges for illegal firearm possession.
Beyond the Warrant: Illegal Possession and the Limits of Search and Seizure
A licensed gun owner's acquittal clarifies what police may lawfully seize during a search and the strict rules on proving illegal firearm possession.
Drunkenness and Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in Public Service
A sheriff's habitual drunkenness, AWOL, and illegal firearm possession led to dismissal, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Why Proof of No License Is Crucial
The Supreme Court acquitted a student of illegal firearm possession because the prosecution failed to prove he had no license. Learn why this element matters.
When Proof of a Gun License Matters: Acquittal in Illegal Firearm Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquitted a student of illegal firearm possession because prosecutors failed to prove he lacked a license. Here's why.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Law: Can You Be Tried Twice for Illegal Firearm Possession and Subversion?
The Supreme Court clarifies when double jeopardy applies, distinguishing illegal firearm possession from subversion in People v. Pimentel.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal firearm possession cases, from warrantless searches to penalties under RA 8294.
Illegal Possession of Firearms in the Philippines: Penalties and Retroactive Laws
Learn how the Supreme Court applied a new, lighter penalty for illegal firearm possession retroactively, and what this means for criminal cases in the Philippines.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Proving Lack of License Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a man of illegal firearm possession because the prosecution failed to prove he lacked a license—a key element.
Unlawful Arrest and Illegal Firearm Possession: Know Your Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a man of illegal firearm possession, ruling that police must prove lack of license and that stop-and-frisk has limits.
Buy-Bust Operations and Illegal Firearm Possession: Key Rules from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn the legal rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and illegal firearm possession from a landmark Philippine Supreme Court decision.