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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Strict Compliance with Chain of Custody Rules in Drug Cases: People v. Acub
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to strictly comply with Section 21, RA 9165, on chain of custody.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay in Ombudsman Proceedings Becomes Inordinate
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in Ombudsman investigations violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Ombudsman Decisions: Appealing Criminal vs Administrative Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes inordinate delay in Ombudsman criminal cases from administrative proceedings, and what this means for respondents.
Breach of Public Trust: Negligence in Permitting Construction Without Proper Clearance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of Intramuros Administrator for gross inexcusable negligence under RA 3019 for allowing construction without permits.
When a Lawyer’s Dealings Warrant Suspension: Sanidad v. Aguas
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for dishonest dealings in a property sale, applying Rule 1.01 of the CPR.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Police Procedure Determines Conviction or Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in chain of custody, reaffirming strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: When Traffic Stops Violate Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a motorist after police conducted an unlawful search during a routine traffic stop, reaffirming constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceptive Dealings in a Quezon City Property Sale
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year after he used his legal knowledge to mislead a buyer who had paid him for a property over many years.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure media and DOJ witnesses during inventory, stressing strict chain of custody rules.
Protecting Constitutional Rights: Strict Enforcement of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police failure to comply with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in Section 21 compliance, reaffirming the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: When a Traffic Stop Leads to an Unconstitutional Intrusion
The Supreme Court acquits a motorist after police conducted an unlawful search during a routine traffic stop, reaffirming constitutional protections.
Sheriffs Held Accountable for Gross Neglect in Delaying Writ Execution
When a sheriff delays executing a final judgment, public trust suffers. The Supreme Court clarifies the ministerial duty to implement writs.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a warrantless arrest in a buy-bust operation is legal and how the chain of custody of seized drugs must be preserved.
BUY Bust Operations Upholding Drug Convictions Through Chain OF Custody
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the chain of custody rule and the "earnest efforts" required under RA 9165.
Upholding THE Integrity OF Notarization Consent AND DUE Diligence IN Property Transactions
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land Under RA 6657
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must value agrarian reform land under RA 6657, not just market price.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty Over Court Property
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for taking court property without authority and lying under oath, reaffirming strict standards for judicial personnel.
Government Control vs Corporate Structure: Defining Audit Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that government control, not corporate form, determines COA audit jurisdiction over corporations in the Philippines.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to comply with Section 21's witness and documentation requirements, reaffirming the chain of custody rule.
When Aortic Stenosis at Sea Doesn't Guarantee Seafarer Disability Benefits: Establishing Work Relatedness
The Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's heart condition must be proven work-related to qualify for disability compensation under the POEA-SEC.
Supreme Court Affirms Conviction for Qualified Rape by Father
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling affirming a father's conviction for qualified rape, detailing the elements, evidence, and penalties under Philippine law.
Upholding Constitutional Rights: The Imperative of Impleading Indispensable Parties in Seizure Cases
This case clarifies the Ombudsman's right to intervene in appeals from its administrative rulings, and the procedural rules that govern such intervention.