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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Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a warrantless arrest in a buy-bust operation is legal and how the chain of custody of seized drugs must be preserved.
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the chain of custody rule and the "earnest efforts" required under RA 9165.
BUY Bust Operations Upholding Drug Convictions Through Chain OF Custody
Upholding THE Integrity OF Notarization Consent AND DUE Diligence IN Property Transactions
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land Under RA 6657
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must value agrarian reform land under RA 6657, not just market price.
Breach of Trust: Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty in Handling Court Property
Clerk of court dismissed for taking court property without authority and lying under oath. Learn the rules on grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
Government Control vs Corporate Structure: Defining Audit Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that government control, not corporate form, determines COA audit jurisdiction over corporations in the Philippines.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty Over Court Property
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for taking court property without authority and lying under oath, reaffirming strict standards for judicial personnel.
Employment Status and Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: A Guide
Explaining how Philippine courts determine employment status and jurisdiction in illegal dismissal cases, using the Loreche-Amit v. CDMC ruling.
When a Station Search Goes Too Far: Hot Pursuit Arrests and Search Incident Limits
A valid hot pursuit arrest does not justify a later station house search. Know the limits of search incident to arrest.
When Lawyers Neglect Cases: Suspension for Violating the Duty of Diligence
A lawyer who fails to file pleadings and attend hearings faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules on competence and diligence.
Accountability IN Public Office Upholding Anti Graft Laws
Protecting Children Under R.A. 7610: Lascivious Conduct vs. Sexual Assault
A father's conviction for sexual assault was modified to lascivious conduct under R.A. 7610, clarifying the proper charge and penalty for child victims.
Moral Ascendancy as Force in Incestuous Rape: Protecting Vulnerable Victims
Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation under Philippine law.
Treachery Defined: When a Deceptive Act Turns a Crime Into Murder
The Supreme Court explains how a sudden, deceptive attack constitutes treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
Arson and Homicide: How the Primary Motive Determines Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a fire is absorbed by arson or punished separately, based on the offender's main objective.
Impleading Indispensable Parties in Damages Claims: The PNCC v. Superlines Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must implead indispensable parties in damages claims, applying the law of the case doctrine.
Supreme Court Affirms Conviction for Qualified Rape by Father
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling affirming a father's conviction for qualified rape, detailing the elements, evidence, and penalties under Philippine law.
Neglect of Duty: Suspension for an Attorney's Failure to Uphold Client Interests
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year after he skipped hearings and failed to file pleadings, leaving his clients to lose their case and appeal.
Annulment of Judgment Protects Due Process and Jurisdictional Integrity
When courts dismiss annulment petitions on technicalities, due process suffers. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
When Aortic Stenosis at Sea Doesn't Guarantee Seafarer Disability Benefits: Establishing Work Relatedness
The Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's heart condition must be proven work-related to qualify for disability compensation under the POEA-SEC.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of Victim Testimony and Corroborating Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for lascivious conduct under RA 7610, underscoring the credibility of child victim testimony over medical findings.