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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Robbery by Extortion: When Law Enforcement Crosses the Line
Police officers who demand money to drop charges commit robbery by extortion. The Supreme Court explains why.
Direct Assault vs Resistance: Understanding the Nuances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when physical force against police officers amounts to direct assault or only resistance and disobedience under Philippine law.
Dispensing With the Confidential Informant: Upholding Buy-Bust Operations in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a confidential informant's testimony is not indispensable in drug cases when police officers personally witness the illegal sale.
Chain of Custody Is Key: How Police Inconsistencies Can Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police officers gave irreconcilable testimonies and failed to preserve the chain of custody of seized shabu.
Reinstatement Rights of Police Officers After Acquittal: The Roaquin Case
When can a discharged police officer demand reinstatement and back pay after acquittal? The Supreme Court explains in Calinisan v. Roaquin.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Police Misconduct Cases: Lessons from Acuzar v. Jorolan
Police officers facing administrative charges must exhaust administrative remedies before courts. Learn from SPO1 Acuzar's case.
Buy-Bust Operations Can Establish Guilt Despite Claims of Police Extortion
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction from buy-bust operation, rejecting claims of frame-up and extortion by police officers.
Restrictive Custody in the PNP: Balancing Discipline and Liberty
The Supreme Court explains when restrictive custody of police officers under investigation is lawful and not a ground for habeas corpus.
Upholding BUY Bust Operations Credibility OF Police Officers AND Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases
Administrative Liability and Self-Defense When Police Officers Face Misconduct Charges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability, self-defense, and judicial temperament in misconduct cases against judges and public officers.
When Police Officers Face Summary Dismissal: Due Process and the Limits of Extraordinary Remedies
A police officer's summary dismissal for extortion upheld despite dismissal of criminal case; certiorari and mandamus cannot substitute for appeal.
Accidental Shooting Police Officers Duty AND Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
When a police officer's gun discharges during an arrest, is it an accident or a crime? The Supreme Court explains the rules on accidental shooting and criminal liability.
Witness Protection for Police Testifying in Senate Inquiries: Acop v. Guingona
Can police officers join the Witness Protection Program when testifying in Senate inquiries? The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Reasonable Doubt and Circumstantial Evidence: When Suspicion Cannot Sustain a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits five police officers of double murder, explaining when circumstantial evidence fails the test of moral certainty.
Police Abuse of Power: Understanding Robbery by Intimidation in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when police officers commit robbery by intimidation and how abuse of public position affects the penalty.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.