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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Due Process and the Chain of Custody Rule: Protecting the Accused in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to comply with the three-witness rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
One Act One Crime: Continuing Offenses and the Anti-Graft Law in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts treat continuing offenses under the Anti-Graft Law, including key principles and practical implications.
Weak Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how lapses in Section 21 chain of custody rules led to an acquittal in a drug sale case, and what this means for police procedures.
Integrity of Evidence in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance with Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to procedural lapses in Section 21 compliance, emphasizing the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Why Courier Filing Does Not Count: Heirs of Francisco v. Velasco
SC rules private courier filing is not a recognized mode under Rule 13; late motions for reconsideration cause finality of judgments.
Chain of Custody Breaches in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached Section 21's chain of custody rules. Learn the required safeguards.
Unregistered Sale vs Registered Levy: Who Wins Under Philippine Property Law
A buyer who fails to register a sale may still defeat a later levy on execution if ownership had already passed, explains a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Regular Seasonal vs Regular Employment: What the Supreme Court Says About Worker Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when "regular seasonal" workers become regular employees, protecting their rights under Philippine labor law.
Private Land vs Public Grant: Upholding Possessory Rights Over Defective Free Patents
When a free patent covers private land, the title is void. The Supreme Court explains why possession prevails.
Ombudsmans Discretion Respecting Independence IN Graft Case Findings
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's wide discretion in graft preliminary investigations, respecting prosecutorial independence absent grave abuse.
Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service: Why a Second Offense Means Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that a second finding of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service carries the mandatory penalty of dismissal.
Dismissal Upheld: Repeated Misconduct Justifies Strict Penalty Despite Length of Service
Court rules repeated misconduct and abandonment of post justify dismissal despite 17 years of service in government.
Dismissal Affirmed for Conduct Prejudicial to Public Service
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of fire inspector for second offense of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Every Link Matters After People v. Tumangong
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police broke chain of custody rules. Learn the four links and why compliance is critical.
Burden of Proof in Property Disputes: Establishing Rights and Damages in Demolition Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that claimants in demolition cases must prove ownership and damages by preponderance of evidence.
Presumption of Regularity vs Presumption of Innocence in Drug Cases: A Safeguard for the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that procedural lapses in buy-bust operations defeat the presumption of regularity and uphold the presumption of innocence.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
Formal Offer of Evidence in Tax Cases: Courts Must Consider All Evidence on Record
A taxpayer's admission of transferring shares can establish tax liability even without the BIR's formal offer of evidence.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses under Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules.
When a Deed Speaks Louder Than a Title: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how co-ownership, oral partition, and redemption affect land ownership disputes in the Philippines.
Safeguarding Rights When Drug Evidence Fails THE Chain OF Custody Test
Judicial Accountability: Strict Adherence to Court-Annexed Mediation Rules
A judge's deviation from mandatory court-annexed mediation rules leads to administrative liability, clarifying the distinction between gross ignorance and rule violations.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Upholding Chain of Custody: Integrity of Drug Evidence in Buy-Bust Operations
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict Section 21 compliance and witness requirements.