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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Compromised Chain of Custody A Blow to Drug Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when inventory lacked DOJ representative, stressing strict chain of custody compliance under RA 9165.
Government Procurement and Financial Accountability: Lessons from the Talisay City COA Disallowance Case
The Supreme Court upheld COA disallowances against Talisay City officials for procurement violations, clarifying rules on competitive bidding, budget realignment, and personal liability.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Sets Social Media Evidence Rules
The Supreme Court affirms that Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, setting guidelines on proving social media authorship and raising penalties for ICT use.
Usurpation of Authority: Delineating Official Functions and Good Faith in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the meaning of "forthwith" in impeachment proceedings, emphasizing the Senate's discretion in preparing for trial and the limits of judicial intervention.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Proving Social Media Authorship and Higher Penalties
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and rules that using Facebook raises the penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Loan Assignment vs Guaranty: Bank Liability for Assigned Loan Proceeds
When is a bank liable for assigned loan proceeds? The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between assignment and guaranty.
Understanding Contracts TO Sell: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract is an assignment, not a guaranty, and the limits of apparent authority.
Liability in Government Contracts: Mere Initialing Not Enough
When can government officers be held personally liable for disallowed payments? The Supreme Court clarifies in this COA case.
Acquittal in Drug Case: When Police Lapses in Chain of Custody Lead to Freedom
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, explaining the chain of custody rule.
Challenging Drug Possession: Upholding the Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the strict chain of custody rule.
Acquittal for Broken Drug Chain of Custody: Grefaldo v. People Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows why police must strictly follow drug evidence rules, or face acquittal.
Mandatory Witness Rule in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to secure DOJ representative during inventory, reinforcing chain of custody rules.
Understanding Lascivious Conduct AND Rape Convictions Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
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, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What the Supreme Court Requires for Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's strict chain of custody rule in drug cases and why procedural lapses led to acquittal in People v. Zapanta.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Is Not Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery cannot be presumed from suddenness alone, reducing a murder conviction to homicide in People v. Bulutano.
Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms that public Facebook posts causing mental anguish constitute psychological violence under RA 9262, with higher penalties for ICT use.
Security of Tenure vs Qualification Standards Resolving Employment Disputes in Philippine Higher Education
Supreme Court clarifies retirement age rules, security of tenure, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in Philippine schools.
Deed Restrictions CAN Homeowners Associations Extend Their Term
Can homeowners associations extend deed restrictions beyond their original term? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on extending deed restrictions.
Treachery Unproven Conviction Reduced to Homicide Absent Deliberate Attack
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks do not automatically constitute treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Illiteracy and Contracts: When Does a Sale Become Invalid
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a sale's validity depends on the parties' true intent, not just the lot number written in the deed.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Public Disclosure Crosses the Line in Legal Ethics
In-house counsel suspended for media disclosures. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality duties.
Probable Cause and Conspiracy: When Presence Alone Does Not Mean Guilt in Insurance Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence and family ties do not establish conspiracy or probable cause in insurance fraud cases.
Conspiracy and Insurance Fraud: When Probable Cause Exists in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence and family ties do not establish conspiracy and probable cause in insurance fraud cases.