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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VAT Zero Rating: Proving Tax Exempt Status for Power Generation Services
Supreme Court clarifies that power generators selling to NPC may claim VAT zero-rating under Section 108(B)(3) without an ERC Certificate of Compliance.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Chain of Custody and the Insulating Witness Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure the required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
When Buy-Bust Operations Fail: Why Inconsistent Police Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, underscoring the prosecution's burden of proof.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Key Witnesses Contradict Each Other in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, undermining proof beyond reasonable doubt.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Police Lapses Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police lapses in Section 21 chain of custody, reaffirming presumption of innocence.
Graft Conviction Upheld for DENR Official Demanding Payment for Free Patent Applications
Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of DENR official under Section 3(c) of RA 3019 for demanding money to process free patent applications.
When Police Break the Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165, highlighting a strict standard for drug prosecutions.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Witness Distance Undermines Drug Sale Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to secure required witnesses at arrest scene, breaking chain of custody.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employment becomes regular employment, protecting workers' security of tenure under Philippine law.
Demanding Money for Expedited Permits Is a Violation of Anti-Graft Laws
The Supreme Court affirms that a DENR official demanding payment for processing free patent applications violates Section 3(c) of RA 3019.
Chain of Custody and Admissibility of Evidence in Illegal Drug Cases: A Deep Dive
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for the prosecution's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165 on chain of custody.
Burden OF Proof IN Seafarer Disability Claims Establishing Work Relatedness Under Poea SEC
DAR Secretary Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Title Cancellations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DAR Secretary exclusively handles cancellation of registered emancipation patents and agrarian titles.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to observe chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165.
Securities Fraud and Filing Fees: What Empire Insurance Teaches About Investor Protection
Supreme Court clarifies filing fee computation for securities fraud actions and affirms preliminary injunction to protect investor-creditors' rights.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody and Section 21 non-compliance, underscoring strict evidentiary rules.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug sale case due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, highlighting strict requirements.
Simple Rape Conviction: Credibility of Victim’s Testimony and Burden of Proof
A look at how Philippine courts weigh a rape victim’s testimony, credibility, and the prosecution’s burden of proof in simple rape cases.
Chain of Custody: Why Drug Evidence Integrity Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody under Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, emphasizing the need for insulating witnesses.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police failure to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of regularity cannot replace strict compliance.