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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Breach of Trust, Intrafamilial Rape, and the Erosion of Parental Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between statutory and simple rape when the prosecution fails to prove the victim's exact age.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense: Credibility in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi and denial in murder prosecutions, explained through a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to explain lapses in Section 21 chain of custody rules, preserving evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Missing Witnesses Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over missing inventory witnesses, explaining the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: The Chain of Custody Rule
Explaining the Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Cordova and Eguiso for police failure to follow the chain of custody rule under Section 21, RA 9165.
Third Doctor's Opinion Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying Conflict Resolution Under POEA-SEC
Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's disability grade is determined by the company-designated physician's assessment, unless a third doctor's opinion is obtained.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence and the Reasonable Doubt Standard
Why failure to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules and conflicting police testimony led to acquittal in a drug sale case.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Abandonment: When Turning Over Files Means Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's turnover of files signals dismissal rather than abandonment, protecting workers' security of tenure.
Travel Authority Requirements for Court Personnel: Lessons from a 30-Day Suspension
Court personnel must secure travel authority before going abroad. A utility worker's 13 unauthorized trips led to a 30-day suspension.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Possession Cases Through Procedural Compliance
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug accused over police procedural lapses in Section 21 chain of custody, reinforcing rights protection.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Primacy of the Company-Designated Physician's Assessment
When a seafarer's own doctor disagrees with the company physician, the POEA-SEC requires referral to a third doctor. Learn why.
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Drug Case Integrity Through Chain Of Custody
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached Section 21 chain of custody rules, stressing evidence integrity matters.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing witnesses, underscoring the need for strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Breaking the Chain of Custody: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that broken chain of custody and unjustified non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 warrant acquittal in drug cases.
Unlawful Arrest Invalidates Drug Possession Charges Protecting Constitutional Rights
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over Section 21 violations, emphasizing the three-witness rule and chain of custody requirements.
Gopio v. Bautista: Security of Tenure for OFWs and the Limits of Contractual Termination Clauses
The Supreme Court voided a contract clause allowing an employer to dismiss an overseas worker on any ground with one month's pay, reaffirming security of tenure for OFWs.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing Section 21 witnesses, reaffirming strict compliance.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights Through Strict Procedure
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police lapses in Section 21 procedure, reaffirming that strict compliance protects the innocent.
Safeguarding Rights: The Supreme Court's Stance on Drug Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 of RA 9165, stressing that strict compliance with the chain of custody rule is mandatory, not optional.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects after police fail to justify missing DOJ and media witnesses during inventory under Section 21.
Chain of Custody and Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to justify non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165, emphasizing evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to justify non-compliance with Section 21's chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Non-Compliance Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify deviations from Section 21's chain of custody rules.
When Courts Cannot Decide Land Ownership Disputes Involving Agrarian Reform Awards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that cancellation of CLOAs falls under DAR Secretary's jurisdiction, not regular courts.