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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Supreme Court Affirms Insurer's Subrogation Claim in Vehicular Accident Case
The Supreme Court affirms insurer's right to recover damages from negligent driver and vehicle owner in a quasi-delict case.
Erosion of Presumption: Unlawful Searches Undermine Drug Possession Convictions
Explore how failure to comply with search and seizure rules can erode the presumption of regularity and weaken drug possession cases.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Rules Protects Against Wrongful Convictions
The Supreme Court rules that notarized deeds of sale enjoy a presumption of validity that only clear and convincing evidence can overcome.
Chain of Custody and Drug Cases: Why Broken Evidence Links Lead to Acquittal
When police break the chain of custody in drug cases, the accused walks free. Learn the strict rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Condonation Doctrine and Nepotism: A Mayor's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when the condonation doctrine applies and holds a mayor liable for nepotism in water district appointments.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow chain of custody rules under RA 9165, explaining why strict compliance matters.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Strict Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police lapses in chain of custody, reaffirming strict compliance with the rules on seized drugs.
Condominium Owners' Duty to Pay Dues: When Utility Disconnection Is Valid
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that condominium associations may disconnect utilities for unpaid dues under the Condominium Act's declaration of restrictions.
Safeguarding the Chain of Custody: Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 is essential to preserve drug evidence integrity and secure convictions.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on public officials who signed resolutions recommending their own appointments, and the consequences of conflict of interest.
Subsidiary Liability of Employers: Execution Against Employers for Employees' Civil Delicts
Supreme Court clarifies when employers may be held subsidiarily liable for employees' civil liability arising from criminal acts.
Reasonable Doubt Safeguarding Individual Rights IN Drug Cases Through Strict Adherence TO Chain OF Custody
Defective Summons When A Court Lacks Power Over A Person
When service of summons is defective, a court cannot acquire jurisdiction over a defendant—even if the defendant asks for some relief.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Witness Presence in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where no DOJ representative witnessed the inventory, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Jurisdictional Thresholds Determining Court Competence In Property Disputes
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what courts must decide in land registration cases and the limits of Rule 45 review.
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.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Inconsistent Testimony Undermines Drug Sale Conviction
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.
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.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Cases
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Conflicting Court Decisions: The Imperative of Case Consolidation in Philippine Law
When court decisions conflict, consolidation becomes necessary. This article explains the rules and practical implications for litigants in the Philippines.
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.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability: People v. Gallardo
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule from People v. Gallardo.
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.