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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Unlawful Possession of Firearms: What You Need to Know Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on illegal possession of firearms under RA 10591, including penalties and the effect of acquittal in related drug cases.
Judicial Admission Can Prove Lack of Firearm License in Illegal Possession Cases
Supreme Court ruling: an accused's own admission in court can prove lack of a firearm license, without needing a PNP certification.
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 in Illegal Possession of Explosives: Safeguarding Individual Liberties
The Supreme Court acquits a robbery suspect of illegal possession of explosives due to a broken chain of custody, underscoring the importance of procedural safeguards.
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.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Possession Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and clarifies penalties for illegal possession of shabu.
Chain OF Custody AND Drug Cases Safeguarding Rights IN Illegal Possession Cases
Safeguarding Rights: Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Procedures in Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict, stressing that police must strictly follow Section 21 of RA 9165 and prove justifiable grounds for any lapse.
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.
Challenging Drug Convictions: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how broken chain of custody and flawed inventory can lead to acquittal in drug possession cases.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
Possession Trumps Ownership: Upholding Conviction for Illegal Firearms Based on Control, Not Title
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal possession of firearms requires control, not ownership. Conviction upheld on constructive possession.
Illegal Delivery vs Illegal Possession: Key Distinctions in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between illegal delivery and illegal possession of dangerous drugs under RA 9165.
Challenging Drug Convictions: How Chain of Custody Affects Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can—and cannot—overturn a conviction for illegal possession of shabu.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs and the Credibility of Testimony
In People v. Maraorao, the Supreme Court acquitted an accused after finding a glaring inconsistency in the arresting officer's testimony on who held the bag of shabu.
No Intent, No Crime: Illegal Possession of Counterfeit Money in the Philippines
Philippine law requires intent to use for counterfeit money possession to be a crime. Learn the rules from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Challenging Drug Convictions: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, and what this means for illegal possession cases.
Possession vs. Sale: Proving the Distinction in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies why illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs are separate crimes requiring distinct proof, acquitting on one charge.
Accountability for Illegal Logging: Possession, Liability, and Penalties Under PD 705
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for illegal possession of lumber, clarifying liability and penalties under PD 705.
Double Jeopardy: When a Gun Ban Violation Precludes Illegal Possession Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban violation bars a separate illegal possession of firearms charge under RA 8294.
When a Gun Ban Charge Does Not Bar Illegal Possession of Firearms: Celino v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban charge prevents prosecution for illegal possession of firearms under R.A. 8294.
Firearms Possession When Does a Gun Ban Trump Illegal Possession Charges
The Supreme Court explains when Republic Act No. 8294 bars a separate conviction for illegal possession of firearms if another crime was committed.
Expired Firearm License Extension Leads to Acquittal in Illegal Possession Case
Supreme Court acquits gun owner whose expired license fell under PNP's 2014 extension, applying mandatory judicial notice.
Entrapment and Illegal Possession: Balancing Rights and Law Enforcement in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on entrapment operations, illegal drug and firearm possession, and the limits of police conduct.