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 Acquittal in Drug Cases Hinges on Strict Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of innocence prevails.
Robbery with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secures a Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Mancao on robbery with homicide, circumstantial evidence, and the presumption of guilt from possession of stolen property.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Strict Chain of Custody Protects Liberty
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused due to broken chain of custody, reaffirming that strict compliance with Section 21 protects liberty.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction of Uncle Despite Defense Claims of Inconsistent Testimony
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, relying on the victim's credible testimony and medical evidence over the defense's claims of inconsistency.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: Lessons for Prosecutors
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused due to broken chain of custody, clarifying the strict rules under RA 9165.
Conspiracy and Intent in Robbery with Homicide: Liability and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, intent to rob, and due process in robbery with homicide convictions.
Forest Charges and Tax Refunds: Jurisdiction and Prescription in Philippine Tax Law
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that forest charges are internal revenue taxes, so refund claims must go to the CIR within two years.
Habeas Corpus and Due Process: When Counsel's Negligence Affects a Defendant's Rights
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence can—and cannot—justify habeas corpus relief after a criminal conviction.
Acquittal in Drug Case Shows Why Procedural Lapses Matter
A PDEA buy-bust conviction was reversed because officers skipped Section 21 safeguards. Learn the chain of custody rules.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Strict Chain of Custody Matters
A PDEA buy-bust conviction was reversed because police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules. Learn the safeguards that protect accused persons in drug cases.
Doubt in Eyewitness Testimony: When Unreliable Identification Overturns a Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a murder convict, ruling that unreliable eyewitness identification and inconsistent testimonies create reasonable doubt.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases Overcomes Defense of Denial
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, holding that a victim's credible, positive testimony prevails over the accused's bare denial.
Safeguarding Integrity: Strict Enforcement of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in the chain of custody rule, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Chain of Custody Breach in Drug Cases
A PDEA buy-bust conviction reversed for broken chain of custody and missing Section 21 witnesses, reaffirming reasonable doubt in drug cases.
Strict Compliance Required for Expropriation of Private Lands for Socialized Housing
Local governments must strictly follow RA 7279 and the LGC before expropriating private land for socialized housing; failure voids the taking.
Former Judge's Conflict of Interest: Ethical Limits After Leaving the Bench
Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former judges and government lawyers accepting cases they previously handled.
City of Manila v. Prieto: Strict Limits on Local Government Expropriation Powers
Supreme Court rules local governments must strictly comply with legal requirements before exercising delegated eminent domain powers.
Financial Abuse as Psychological Violence: Supreme Court Upholds VAWC Protection for Wives
The Supreme Court rules that a husband's denial of financial support can constitute psychological violence under RA 9262, affirming a conviction.
Ancestral Land Disputes: When Regular Courts, Not NCIP, Have Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that the NCIP's jurisdiction over ancestral land disputes is limited to parties from the same indigenous group.
When Drug Evidence Handling Holds Up: Lessons From a Shabu Possession Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how proper chain of custody over seized drugs can defeat an acquittal bid in Philippine drug cases.
Trafficking in Persons Conviction Upheld: Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt Without the Informant's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a trafficking conviction, ruling that a confidential informant's testimony is not indispensable when the victim's account and police evidence establish guilt.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Assessed Value of the Whole Lot Controls
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in property disputes, jurisdiction is determined by the assessed value alleged in the complaint, not the disputed portion's value.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Cases Through Strict Chain OF Custody
Minor's Consent No Defense: Trafficking Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld a qualified trafficking conviction, ruling that a minor's consent is no defense when she is exploited for prostitution.