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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Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Custody Rules
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke the chain of custody, and what this means for your rights.
Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences FOR Incomplete AND Improperly Executed Documents
A notary public who notarized deeds with missing signatures and absent parties faces suspension and commission revocation, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Ombudsman Must Address All Dimensions of Corruption Complaints
Supreme Court rules the Ombudsman commits grave abuse of discretion when it dismisses a graft complaint based solely on an unresolved ownership issue.
Seafarer Disability Claims Upholding THE Company Doctors Assessment When Dispute Resolution IS Ignored
Protecting Marital Property When A Forged Signature Undermines Ownership Rights
A forged signature on a special power of attorney cannot defeat a wife's conjugal property rights, as the Supreme Court ruled in Malabanan v. Malabanan.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to observe chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Every Link Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody. Learn the four links and what must be proven.
Securities Fraud and Filing Fees: What Empire Insurance Teaches About Investor Protection
Supreme Court clarifies filing fee computation for securities fraud actions and affirms preliminary injunction to protect investor-creditors' rights.
Disbarment for Dishonesty When Lawyers Fabricate Court Decisions
Fabricating a court decision to defraud clients leads to disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why.
Attorney Suspended for Disobeying Court Orders: Abellanosa v. COA and NHA
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for repeatedly ignoring lawful court directives, underscoring lawyers' duty to obey court orders.
NPC's Real Property Tax Exemption Claim Fails: Ownership and Actual Use Matter
Supreme Court rules NPC cannot claim real property tax exemption for BOT power plant facilities it neither owns nor actually uses.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, highlighting strict requirements.
Venue Stipulations and the Right Remedy: Pillars Property v. Century Communities
The Supreme Court clarifies when a venue stipulation binds parties and why dismissal for improper venue calls for certiorari, not appeal.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring the Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for illegal sale and possession of marijuana, ruling that the chain of custody over seized drugs was unbroken despite the accused's objections.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug sale case due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody and Section 21 non-compliance, underscoring strict evidentiary rules.
Chain of Custody Breakdown: Drug Evidence Integrity and the Reasonable Doubt Standard
When police break the chain of custody in drug cases, the Supreme Court may acquit—even if the accused was caught in a buy-bust.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
Chain of Custody: Why Drug Evidence Integrity Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody under Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Premeditated Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, clarifying the elements of treachery and its role in ensuring justice for victims of sudden, premeditated attacks.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, emphasizing the need for insulating witnesses.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Elevate Homicide to Murder
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using a 2019 stabbing case to illustrate sudden, unexpected attacks.
Protecting Children: Lascivious Conduct and the Boundaries of Child Abuse Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple rape and sexual abuse under RA 7610, and the rules on proving a victim's minority.
Revoking Donations: The Imperative of Fulfilled Conditions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when donations may be revoked for non-fulfillment of conditions, and the legal consequences.