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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Upholding the Chain of Custody: Valid Warrantless Arrest and Seizure in Illegal Drug Transportation
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for transporting marijuana, clarifying valid warrantless arrests, Section 21 compliance, and the chain of custody rule.
Website Activity as Proof of Commercial Use in Philippine Trademark Law
How Philippine courts treat website activity as evidence of commercial use in trademark cases, and what this means for brand owners.
Election Contests and the 15-Day Rule: Eizmendi v. Fernandez on Corporate Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that indirect attacks on corporate elections violate the 15-day reglementary period for election contests under the Interim Rules.
Moral Ascendancy AND Uncorroborated Testimony IN Familial Rape Cases
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Homeowners Rights vs Church Construction: Open Space Donation Validity
Supreme Court rules on open space donations in subdivisions, homeowners association rights, and church construction in Casa Milan case.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Protects the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the mandatory safeguards under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Based on Improbable Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a rape victim's testimony is too general to convict, and when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction.
Amendment of Information After Plea: Balancing Due Process and Fair Trial Rights
A Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow amendments to a criminal information after the accused has pleaded, and the limits of such amendments.
Tax Declarations as Evidence of Ownership: Protecting Possessory Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax declarations, while not conclusive, are strong evidence of possession in the concept of owner when coupled with continuous possession.
Moral Ascendancy and the Shadow of Doubt: Familial Rape in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court weighed circumstantial evidence, moral ascendancy, and delayed reporting in a father's qualified rape conviction.
The High Cost of Homicide: Establishing Liability in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts convict in robbery with homicide, from proving intent to the price of damages.
Reinstating Attorney's Fees in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Horlador Ruling
The Supreme Court reinstates 10% attorney's fees for seafarers who win permanent total disability claims, reinforcing protective labor policy.
Why Chain of Custody Matters in Drug Cases: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Trust Receipt Breach: When Failure to Deliver Constitutes Estafa in the Philippines
Explore when failure to deliver under a trust receipt agreement constitutes estafa, based on a 2018 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Foreclosure Voided: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Supreme Court voids foreclosure sale for lack of republication and reposting of rescheduled sale notice, affirming mandatory rules under Act No. 3135.
Real Property Tax: Who Pays When Ownership and Possession Differ
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies real property tax liability when the registered owner is not in possession, citing Herarc Realty v. Provincial Treasurer of Batangas.
Sheriff's Duty of Timely Execution and Periodic Reporting: Lessons from Foster v. Santos
A sheriff's duty to enforce writs is ministerial; failure to report periodically constitutes simple neglect of duty.
Treachery Unveiled: When Sudden Attack Does Not Mean Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attack alone does not prove treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Constructive Dismissal: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Not Voluntary at All
The Supreme Court clarifies when a signed resignation letter is actually constructive dismissal, protecting employees from forced resignations disguised as voluntary acts.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Accountability in Government Procurement
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for Ombudsman rulings in criminal vs. administrative cases, and affirms accountability in government procurement.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Estafa Under Trust Receipt Agreements: The Osental Case and PD 115
Failure to comply with a trust receipt agreement can lead to estafa charges. Learn the rules from the Osental case.