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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Exploitation of Minors: Upholding the Anti-Trafficking Law in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for trafficking a minor into prostitution, clarifying that a child's consent or voluntary act does not negate liability under RA 9208.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects after police fail to justify missing DOJ and media witnesses during inventory under Section 21.
When a Bus Driver's Sabbatical Becomes a Retirement Claim: The Macuray Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's break from work is abandonment, sabbatical, or retirement—and what benefits are due.
Unlawful Arrest Invalidates Drug Possession Charges Protecting Constitutional Rights
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over Section 21 violations, emphasizing the three-witness rule and chain of custody requirements.
Upholding Integrity Clerk OF Court Held Accountable FOR Lost Evidence IN Custody
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Procedural Compliance in Drug Cases
Learn how procedural compliance protects rights in Philippine drug cases, as illustrated by a recent Supreme Court decision.
Trademark Ownership Rests on Prior Use, But Related Goods Still Matter
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies trademark ownership via prior use and the test for related goods in SAKURA dispute.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights Through Strict Procedure
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police lapses in Section 21 procedure, reaffirming that strict compliance protects the innocent.
Neglect of Duty: Court Personnel Accountability in Safekeeping Evidence
A clerk of court was fined P20,000 for losing a firearm exhibit under his custody. The Supreme Court clarifies accountability for court personnel.
Safeguarding Rights: The Supreme Court's Stance on Drug Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 of RA 9165, stressing that strict compliance with the chain of custody rule is mandatory, not optional.
Seafarers Disability: The 240-Day Rule and the Right to Full Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total under the 240-day rule, and why a timely company-doctor assessment matters.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing Section 21 witnesses, reaffirming strict compliance.
Due Process in Ombudsman Investigations: The Extent of Discretion and Rights of the Accused
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how judges must personally determine probable cause and always hold a bail hearing, even when the prosecution raises no objection.
SLAPP Defense Not Available in Domestic Violence Cases: Protecting Due Process and Preventing Abuse of Remedie
Supreme Court rules SLAPP defense applies only to environmental cases, not domestic violence cases under RA 9262.
Res Gestae vs Dying Declaration: Homicide Without Treachery in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies res gestae vs dying declaration, and why treachery must be proven to convict for murder.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Property Partition: Assessed Value as Key Determinant
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that partition actions require alleging the property's assessed value to determine which court has jurisdiction.
Gopio v. Bautista: Security of Tenure for OFWs and the Limits of Contractual Termination Clauses
The Supreme Court voided a contract clause allowing an employer to dismiss an overseas worker on any ground with one month's pay, reaffirming security of tenure for OFWs.
Reasonable Doubt When Police Testimony Fails in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police conduct an invalid warrantless arrest and break chain of custody rules.
Quieting of Title and the Best Evidence Rule in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quieting of title, best evidence rule, and proving ownership in land disputes.
Who Can Sue on Behalf of a Closed Bank Under Receivership
The Supreme Court explains why only the PDIC, as receiver, may sue for a closed bank, and where to file cases against the BSP.
Treachery Unproven When A Sudden Attack Doesnt Automatically Mean Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks do not automatically prove treachery, downgrading murder to homicide in People v. Francisco.
Quo Warranto and Judicial Integrity: The Sereno Case Explained
The Supreme Court's Sereno ruling clarifies that quo warranto can oust impeachable officers who lack constitutional qualifications like proven integrity.
Presumptive Death for Military Benefits: No Court Declaration Needed
Supreme Court clarifies that PVAO and AFP can process death benefits of missing soldiers without a court declaration of presumptive death.
Protecting Childhood: Upholding Conviction in Statutory Rape Cases Based on Victim Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, holding that a child victim's credible testimony alone suffices to prove carnal knowledge.