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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Lost Goods in Customs Custody: Government Liability and Revival of Judgments
A guide to government liability for lost goods in customs custody, revival of judgments, and legal interest rules under Philippine law.
Customs Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Seized Vehicles, Not Replevin Courts
The Supreme Court ruled that regional trial courts cannot take custody of goods already seized by the Bureau of Customs through a replevin suit.
Custody Rights and Habeas Corpus in Philippine Child Custody Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in custody disputes and how the tender-years rule applies.
Child Custody AND Habeas Corpus Protecting Minors IN Parental Disputes
Public Officer Accountability for Confiscated Property: Malversation by Negligence
When a barangay captain accepts custody of confiscated lumber, he becomes an accountable officer. The Supreme Court explains why.
Navigating Philippine Warrants of Arrest: When Can a Court Act on Your Motion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can act on motions to quash warrants of arrest, distinguishing custody of law from jurisdiction over the person.
Chain of Custody Is Key: How Mishandled Evidence Can Undermine Drug Cases in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how poor court records management delays justice, and why drug cases demand stricter handling of evidence and dockets.
Court Employee Misconduct: When a Clerk's Text Message Undermines Judicial Integrity
A court clerk's text to a sheriff about a pending custody order led to a fine for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
When Can Unpaid Wages Be Offset Against Company Property? The Nadela Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when legal compensation applies to offset unpaid wages against company property in employee's custody.
Custody AND Care Sheriffs Duty TO Secure Attached Property NOT Favor Parties
Family Code Interpretation Limits on Family Member Definition in Legal Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies Article 213 of the Family Code: mothers keep custody of children under seven unless compelling reasons exist.
Habeas Corpus Custody: When a Judge's Provisional Custody Order Is Not Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's provisional custody order in habeas corpus cases constitutes abuse of authority or gross ignorance of law.
Custodial Rights Under Forest Management Agreements and Confiscated Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who holds custody of confiscated forest products and conveyances under IFMA and DENR deputization.
Habeas Corpus and the Family Code: When Child Custody Battles Meet Technical Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions for child custody must comply with Article 151 compromise requirements and barangay conciliation rules.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require strict chain of custody for drug evidence. Learn the rules and practical implications from recent jurisprudence.
Flight From Justice: How Fugitive Status Can Bar Appeal Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a fugitive's escape from custody can lead to dismissal of their appeal and loss of legal remedies.
Upholding BUY Bust Operations Credibility OF Police Officers AND Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases
Sheriffs Authority and Limits in Carrying Firearms During Writ Enforcement
Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duties, custody of seized goods, and limits of authority in enforcing search warrants.
Release of Seized Evidence Before Trial: Upholding Prosecutorial Authority and Due Process
A judge's order releasing seized evidence before trial drew administrative sanctions. Learn the rules on custody of evidence and prosecutorial control.
Divorce Abroad and Child Custody: Reconciling Foreign Decrees With Philippine Law
Philippine courts can recognize a foreign divorce but still decide child custody and support, as Roehr v. Rodriguez explains.
Contradictory Evidence and Doubt Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
Explaining how contradictory police testimony and broken chain of custody led to acquittal in a Philippine drug case.
Child Custody Determinations Prioritizing Welfare Over Parental Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that child custody decisions must prioritize the child's welfare, not just parental agreements or psychiatric reports alone.
Kidnapping and Failure to Return a Minor: What the Supreme Court Said About Custody and Intent
A look at People v. Bernardo, where the Supreme Court clarified the elements of kidnapping and failure to return a minor under the Revised Penal Code.
Custodial Trust AND Betrayal Examining THE Deliberate Failure TO Return A Minor
A babysitter's brief custody of a newborn becomes a kidnapping conviction under Article 270, explaining deliberate failure to return.