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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Stop and Frisk During Election Periods: When Police Searches Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless stop and frisk search is valid, using an election gun ban case as an example.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.
Negligence in Notarial Duties Upholding Public Trust in Legal Documents
A notary's failure to properly record notarized documents leads to suspension and revocation of commission, underscoring the public trust in notarization.
CNA Incentive Disallowance Upholds the Primacy of MOOE in Government Spending
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA Incentive paid from EAO savings, clarifying that only MOOE may fund such incentives.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Dismissal and Accountability for Misappropriated Court Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on dismissal for serious dishonesty and the accountability of court officials for misappropriated funds.
Attorney Disbarred for Deceptive Settlement Tactics in Labor Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who deceived opposing party into paying P2 million under false settlement pretense, violating ethical rules.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disbarment for Attorney's Deceptive Settlement Tactics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for deceiving an opposing party into paying P2 million under a false compromise agreement, reaffirming high ethical standards.
Disbarment for Deceit in Settlement Talks: Fortune Medicare v. Atty. Lee
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Lee for dishonest settlement negotiations, reaffirming that lawyers must act with candor and integrity.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employment becomes regular employment, protecting workers' security of tenure under Philippine law.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Cases
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Currency Conversion in Labor Disputes: Keeping Awards Fair When Currencies Change
When a foreign currency is demonetized, can a labor arbiter convert a final award to its replacement? The Supreme Court says yes.
Government Agencies and Surety Bonds in Real Property Tax Disputes: The PMO v. CTA Ruling
When can a government agency skip the surety bond in real property tax cases? The Supreme Court clarifies in PMO v. CTA.
Preliminary Investigation Is a Substantive Right: Lessons from Palacios v. People
The Supreme Court rules that denying a reinvestigation based on procedural guidelines violates due process when the accused was never notified.
Demanding Money for Expedited Permits Is a Violation of Anti-Graft Laws
The Supreme Court affirms that a DENR official demanding payment for processing free patent applications violates Section 3(c) of RA 3019.
When Police Break the Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165, highlighting a strict standard for drug prosecutions.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Witness Distance Undermines Drug Sale Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to secure required witnesses at arrest scene, breaking chain of custody.
When “Married To” on a Land Title Is Only Descriptive, Not Proof of Conjugal Ownership
The Supreme Court clarifies that the phrase “married to” on a title is merely descriptive and does not prove conjugal ownership of property.
Due Process in VAWC Cases: The Right to Preliminary Investigation and Fair Notice
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a respondent's right to due process in VAWC cases, requiring proper notice during preliminary investigation.
Graft Conviction Upheld for DENR Official Demanding Payment for Free Patent Applications
Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of DENR official under Section 3(c) of RA 3019 for demanding money to process free patent applications.
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Drug Chain OF Custody IN Philippine LAW
When police break the chain of custody for seized drugs, the accused may be acquitted. Learn the rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody and Warrantless Arrests in Philippine Drug Cases: The Dominguez Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over an invalid warrantless arrest, clarifying that waiving an arrest defect does not waive evidence admissibility.
Chain of Custody and Admissibility of Evidence in Illegal Drug Cases: A Deep Dive
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for the prosecution's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165 on chain of custody.
Safeguarding Rights: Chain of Custody and the Integrity of Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that a warrantless arrest and seizure of a plastic sachet violated constitutional rights.
Marijuana Possession Proving Intent Despite Procedural Lapses In Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms marijuana possession conviction despite buy-bust procedural lapses, citing accused's admission and preserved evidence integrity.