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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Reasonable Doubt Prevails Navigating Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases
Broken Chain of Custody: How Strict Evidence Handling Secured an Acquittal in a Drug Case
In People v. Sumilip, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale accused after finding the police failed to preserve the chain of custody of the seized marijuana.
Broken Chains Safeguarding Drug Evidence AND DUE Process Rights
Boundary Disputes: Why Forcible Entry Is the Wrong Remedy and Accion Reivindicatoria Is Right
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that boundary disputes involving Torrens titles cannot be resolved through forcible entry, but only through accion reivindicatoria.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Chain of Custody Lapse Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case
A missed DOJ representative during inventory breaks the chain of custody, leading to acquittal in People v. Cohayco.
Constructive Dismissal Employees Burden TO Prove Involuntary Resignation
Redundancy AND DUE Process Balancing Business Judgment AND Employee Rights IN Termination Cases
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Ensuring Integrity OF Evidence 14
Safeguarding Rights: The Peril of Shortcuts in Drug Cases and the Importance of Due Process
In People v. Sumilip, the Supreme Court acquitted an accused after police failed to follow the strict chain of custody rules under the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Strict Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Procedures Protects the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules, underscoring the need to protect the integrity of seized evidence.
Plain View Doctrine and Warrantless Arrests: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, underscoring the mandatory rules on warrantless arrests, chain of custody, and presumption of innocence.
Boundary Disputes Cannot Be Settled by Forcible Entry: The Proper Remedy Is Accion Reivindicatoria
Boundary disputes that question ownership cannot be resolved through forcible entry; the Supreme Court requires an accion reivindicatoria instead.
Availability VS Responsibility When Certifying Funds Doesnt Mean Liability
PhilHealth Personnel Are Public Health Workers: Longevity Pay Case
Supreme Court rules PhilHealth personnel are public health workers under the Universal Health Care Act, entitling them to longevity pay.
Legislative Reapportionment: When New Districts Take Effect and Voters' Rights Prevail
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's suspension of South Cotabato's 1st District elections, clarifying when legislative reapportionment takes effect.
Upholding Academic Freedom: The Limits of State Power in Legal Education
The Supreme Court strikes down the PhiLSAT requirement, affirming academic freedom and the Court's exclusive power over legal education.
Involuntary Loss of Office Interrupts Term Limit: Tallado v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules that executing an Ombudsman dismissal order interrupts an official's term, even if appealed, preventing the three-term limit from applying.
Flaws in Drug Evidence Chain of Custody and Rights in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects when police fail to strictly follow Section 21 chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
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.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects due to the prosecution's failure to comply with the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects after police fail to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Superior Strength in Criminal Law: Weapon Disparity and Victim Vulnerability
When does killing with a gun become murder? Philippine Supreme Court clarifies treachery, weapon disparity, and victim vulnerability.