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: When Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted two accused in a drug case after police broke the chain of custody rule. Learn the safeguards.
Breach OF Professional Ethics Disbarment FOR Attorneys Misconduct AND Misrepresentation
Minor's Consent No Defense: Trafficking Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld a qualified trafficking conviction, ruling that a minor's consent is no defense when she is exploited for prostitution.
Compromised Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Possession Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Compromise Agreements Resolving Disputes AND Rendering Cases Moot
Learn how a compromise agreement with judicial approval becomes a judgment on the merits, rendering pending appeals moot.
Breach and Balance: Equitable Relief in Construction Contract Disputes
When both parties breach a construction contract, courts may equitably mitigate damages. The Supreme Court explains how.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Cases Through Strict Chain OF Custody
Unlawful Arrest and Inadmissible Evidence: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights in Illegal Gambling Cases
When police lack probable cause for a warrantless arrest, seized evidence becomes inadmissible, leading to acquittal in illegal gambling cases.
Eradicating Exploitation: Trafficking of Minors and the Protective Laws of the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that confidential informants are not indispensable in trafficking cases, upholding a conviction based on the victim's testimony.
When Buy-Bust Evidence Fails: Chain of Custody and Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rules.
Guarantee vs Suretyship: How Waiving Excussion Changes Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "guarantee" becomes a suretyship, and why a rehabilitation stay order does not protect a surety.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Individual Liberties
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Broken Chains: Why Drug Evidence Must Be Preserved for Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Trafficking in Persons Conviction Upheld: Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt Without the Informant's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a trafficking conviction, ruling that a confidential informant's testimony is not indispensable when the victim's account and police evidence establish guilt.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Assessed Value of the Whole Lot Controls
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in property disputes, jurisdiction is determined by the assessed value alleged in the complaint, not the disputed portion's value.
From Murder to Homicide: The Crucial Role of Treachery in Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder or homicide, focusing on treachery and its elements.
Are Membership Fees of Recreational Clubs Taxable Income? SC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are subject to income tax and VAT.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Child Victim Testimony and Flight as Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices and why the accused's flight indicates guilt.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain-of-custody rules.
Safeguarding Rights: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on the chain of custody rule in drug cases shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital.
Interpreting Termination Clauses in Franchise Agreements: Makati Water v. Agua Vida
When does a franchise agreement "terminate"? The Supreme Court rules on whether expiration counts as termination under non-compete clauses.
Treachery IN Homicide Absence OF Deliberate Intent AND THE Importance OF Provocation
Supreme Court: Membership Fees of Non-Profit Clubs Not Subject to Income Tax and VAT
The Supreme Court ruled that membership fees and assessment dues of non-profit recreational clubs are not income or VAT-liable, limiting BIR RMC No. 35-2012.
Compromising the Chain: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict evidence rules under RA 9165.