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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Proper Handling of Evidence Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with evidence rules.
Intact Hymen Does Not Negate Statutory Rape: SC Upholds Child Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child's credible testimony can prove statutory rape even when medical findings show an intact hymen.
Corporate Authority vs Apparent Authority: When Can a Corporation Deny Its President's Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporation can deny its president's authority to bind it, explained in plain language.
Relief From Accountability: Proving Diligence in Handling Public Funds Despite Loss
When can an accountable officer be relieved from liability for lost public funds? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of diligence in Callang v. COA.
Hacienda Luisita Determining Legitimate Corporate Expenses AND FWB Compensation
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on legitimate corporate expenses and FWB compensation in the Hacienda Luisita case.
Unexcused Absence and Termination: When Is an Employee Considered AWOL
Learn when an employee is considered AWOL and can be dropped from the rolls, based on a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Witness Presence in Drug Cases
Explore why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to missing required witnesses during inventory, highlighting crucial procedural safeguards.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Consent, Delay in Reporting, and Alibi in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that delay in reporting and a weak alibi do not defeat a credible victim's testimony.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Anti-Drug Operations
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke chain of custody rules, reaffirming that procedural lapses can compromise evidence integrity.
Unlawful Detainer: The Imperative of Alleging Tolerance in Ejectment Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerance must be alleged in unlawful detainer cases to establish jurisdiction.
Upholding Police Accountability: Grave Misconduct and the Limits of Procedural Technicalities in Administrativ
A police officer dismissed for grave misconduct fails to overturn his dismissal as the Supreme Court affirms that procedural rules on appeals must be strictly followed.
Child Abuse Intent Not Always Required Under Special Protection Laws
Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase a child is not always required for conviction under RA 7610's child abuse provisions.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, clarifying the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and the required witnesses.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, explaining the strict chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody Rule Is Substantive Law, Not a Technicality: People v. Fuentes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the chain of custody rule in drug cases is substantive law, and acquits accused for unjustified deviations.
Informing Seafarers: The Cornerstone of Due Process in Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing due process and the necessity of informing seafarers of their rights and options.
Foreclosure Writ of Possession: Appeal Does Not Stay Implementation
Supreme Court clarifies that an appeal of a writ of possession order in extrajudicial foreclosure does not suspend its implementation.
When Court Complaints Cross the Line: Lessons from the Tallado v. Racoma Administrative Case
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against two RTC judges, warning against using judicial audits to harass the bench.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may order reconstitution of a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
Chain of Custody in Firearm Cases: When Delayed Marking Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a firearm possession accused over unjustified delayed marking, clarifying chain of custody rules under RA 10591.
Deposit Insurance Claims Upholding Pdic Authority AND Defining Course OF Business
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation's regulatory authority over bank operations and the definition of "course of business" in deposit insurance claim
Mortgage Foreclosure and Third-Party Property: UCPB's Duty to Protect Borrower Interests
When a bank forecloses property mortgaged by a third party without the owner's consent, the Supreme Court protects the true owner's rights.
When a Mortgage on Trust Property Is Void: UCPB v. Spouses Chua
The Supreme Court rules that a bank cannot foreclose on properties held in trust when the trustee had no authority to mortgage them.
Safeguarding Constitutional Rights: The High Cost of Defective Search Warrants in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullifies search warrants issued without a searching examination, reaffirming that evidence seized under void warrants is inadmissible.