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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Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The Necessity of an Unbroken Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, underscoring the strict evidentiary standard.
Finality of Judgment vs Newly Discovered Evidence in Homicide Cases
When a conviction becomes final, can newly discovered evidence reopen the case? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Robbery with Homicide: People v. Lamsen
How the Supreme Court upheld convictions for robbery with homicide based on eyewitness testimony, circumstantial evidence, and conspiracy.
The Writ of Amparo: Understanding Procedural Requirements for Protecting Constitutional Rights
A guide to the writ of amparo's procedural rules, based on De Lima v. Gatdula, explaining why strict compliance matters.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Minor Victim and Exemplary Damages
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on minor victim's credible testimony and reinstates exemplary damages awards for each count.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains why the chain of custody matters in buy-bust drug cases and when its breach can defeat a conviction.
Navigating Entrapment Proving Illegal Drug Sale AND Possession Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish valid buy-bust operations from entrapment, and what proof is needed to convict for illegal drug sale or possession beyond reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity for Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts apply the chain of custody rule in drug cases, using a 2013 Supreme Court ruling on airport searches.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court affirms that public Facebook posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalties for ICT use.
Protecting Children Upholding Justice IN Child Abuse AND Rape Cases Under Philippine LAW
A look at how Philippine courts decide rape cases, the weight given to credible victim testimony, and the rules on force, intimidation, and delay in reporting.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Delay in Reporting Does Not Negate Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's delay in reporting does not automatically discredit her testimony.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
How sudden, unexpected attacks qualify killings as murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, explained through a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
THE Weight OF Dying Declarations Affirming Convictions Based ON Victim Testimony
Reinstatement With Backwages for Employees Excluded From Illegal Strike Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that workers not charged with illegal strike cannot be treated as in pari delicto and must get backwages.
Admonishing Delay in Executing Final Judgments: A Lesson for Judges
Sandiganbayan justices admonished for delaying execution of a final conviction, highlighting the ministerial duty to implement judgments promptly.
Forum Shopping Dismissal Affirmed FOR Seeking Conflicting Remedies IN Separate Suits
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Intent Determines Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, and why intent matters.
Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction: When Active Participation Trumps Defective Summons
Defective summons doesn't defeat jurisdiction if a defendant voluntarily appears and seeks affirmative relief, as Optima Realty v. Hertz shows.
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.
When a Drug Sale Isn't a Sale: Payment Must Be Completed for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal drug sale requires actual payment, not just delivery. Learn the key elements and why possession still leads to conviction.
Hierarchy of Courts: Direct Filing of Certiorari, Prohibition, and Mandamus to the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court dismisses a direct petition for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus, reaffirming the strict policy on the hierarchy of courts.
Disqualification of Candidates: COMELEC’s Authority and Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC’s disqualification of a candidate, ruling the en banc acted without jurisdiction and violated due process.