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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Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Led to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rules.
Broken Chain of Custody: When Drug Evidence Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify missing witnesses during evidence handling, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Rape and Intimidation: The Victim's Testimony and the Element of Fear in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how force and intimidation in rape are judged from the victim's perspective, not by an objective standard.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Gaps in Evidence Led to an Acquittal
In People v. Año, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale accused because the prosecution failed to justify missing witnesses in the chain of custody.
When Probationary Employment Becomes Regular: The Umali v. Hobbywing Rule
Explore when a probationary employee becomes regular by operation of law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Umali v. Hobbywing Solutions.
Upholding Integrity in Notarial Duties: The Consequences of Negligence
Notaries must strictly comply with their duties under the Notarial Law; negligence can lead to administrative liability and loss of commission.
When Death Extinguishes Criminal Liability: The Antido Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Cost of Skipping the Post-Employment Medical Exam
A seafarer who skips the company-designated post-employment medical exam forfeits disability claims. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits.
Parental Authority vs Consent: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting
A father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and a daughter's long silence does not weaken her testimony, the Supreme Court ruled in Clemeno.
Chain of Custody Breach Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Crispo
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Diminished Responsibility: Distinguishing Murder From Homicide Based on Impulse vs Premeditation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden, impulsive killing is homicide, not murder, despite treachery claims.
Upholding Employer Prerogative: Dismissal for Breach of Trust and Company Policy Violations
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of supervisor who used company equipment for private repairs, upholding management prerogative and loss of trust.
Corporate Rehabilitation Stay Orders and Creditor Set-Offs: The Allied Banking v. SCP Ruling
When does a rehabilitation stay order bind creditors? The Supreme Court explains retroactivity, set-offs, and due process in Allied Banking v. SCP.
Divorce Abroad: Clarifying the Scope of Recognition and Remarriage for Filipinos
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce decree is recognized in the Philippines and how a Filipino spouse may remarry.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: When Resignation Cannot Shield a Court Employee from Dismissal
The Supreme Court held that a court interpreter who incurred 133.5 unauthorized absences was guilty of habitual absenteeism and dismissed from service despite resigning.
Retrenchment During Corporate Rehabilitation: When Audited Financial Statements Aren't Required
Supreme Court clarifies that employers under corporate rehabilitation may prove severe financial losses without audited financial statements in retrenchment cases.
Breach of Notarial Duty and Disrespect for Court Orders: Grounds for Disbarment
A lawyer's notarial violations and disrespect for court orders can result in disbarment. This article explains the Supreme Court's ruling.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Dismissal for Court Employee Who Abandoned Post
Supreme Court dismisses court interpreter for habitual absenteeism, forfeiting benefits and barring re-employment in government service.
Void Donations: Formal Requirements and the Right to Reclaim Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void donations, formal requirements under Article 749, and the right to recover property.
Drug Use Conviction Requires Arrest Protecting Rights Under R A 9165
The Supreme Court rules that a conviction for drug use under Section 15, R.A. 9165 requires an arrest or apprehension, safeguarding constitutional rights.
When Lawyers Take Fees But Never File the Case: A Lesson in Professional Responsibility
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for collecting fees but failing to file a client's case, reaffirming lawyers' fiduciary duties.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony alone, even without medical or physical evidence of penetration.
Attorney Neglect and Failure to Account for Client Funds Warrants One-Year Suspension
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P30,000 in litigation fees.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Proof of Force: Victim Testimony and Rights in Child Abuse Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction clarifies victim testimony standards, force requirements, and damages in child abuse cases.