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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Custody and Accountability: When Election Officers Take Ballot Boxes Home
A Supreme Court ruling reminds poll officials that taking ballot boxes home without COMELEC authority is a criminal offense, even if the boxes are returned later.
Custody of Illegitimate Children: The Best Interests of the Child in Tonog v. Court of Appeals
Explaining how Philippine courts decide custody of illegitimate children, with the child's welfare as the paramount consideration.
Police Officer Convicted of Rape Under Custody: Public Trust and the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a police officer who raped a 16-year-old detainee in his custody, underscoring abuse of authority.
Custody Rights and the Best Interest of the Child: Religious Conversion and Parental Fitness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on child custody, religious conversion, and parental fitness under the Family Code and Muslim personal laws.
Custody Beyond Conversion: Best Interests of the Child Prevail in Custody Disputes
When a mother's faith changes, does her fitness as custodian change too? The Supreme Court says the child's welfare governs.
Judicial Misconduct THE High Cost OF Impropriety IN Custody OF Evidence
Custody Battles Weighing Parental Rights VS A Childs Best Interests IN Guardianship Disputes
Reclaiming a Child Through Habeas Corpus: The Tijing Case on Establishing Maternal Rights
The Supreme Court explains when habeas corpus is the proper remedy for parents to regain custody of a missing child, and how identity and filiation are proven.
When a Child Is Taken: Proving Parentage in Habeas Corpus Cases
The Supreme Court explains how courts determine a child's identity and parentage in habeas corpus custody disputes.
Sheriff Misconduct When Custody Turns Criminal Understanding A Sheriffs Duty Of Safekeeping IN THE Philippines
When a sheriff sells a levied vehicle instead of keeping it safe, the Supreme Court imposes the ultimate penalty: dismissal from service.
Sheriff's Duty in Property Attachment: Custody Rules and Misconduct Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriff's duty to keep attached property in custody, not deposit it with the plaintiff.
Sheriff’s Duty of Custody: Liability for Negligent Loss of Seized Property
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for dereliction of duty when a vehicle under custodia legis was lost due to unsafe storage.
Breach of Contract When a Bank Fails to Deliver Property Ownership
A 26-year property dispute shows how laches, notarized deeds, and documentary custody determine ownership rights in Philippine land cases.
Custody and Legal Practice: Defining the Bounds of Detention
Supreme Court clarifies that detention prisoners cannot practice law and must be confined in jail, not held under loose custodial arrangements.
Customs Forfeiture in the Philippines: Illegal Removal of Goods and the Buyer Beware Rule
When goods are illegally removed from customs custody, forfeiture can reach any buyer, even one claiming good faith. Learn the rules.
Pillbox Possession in the Philippines: Understanding Illegal Explosives and the Law
The Supreme Court explains what makes a — a homemade explosive device. The case is a practical guide for understanding how courts evaluate explosive devices, the importance of chain of custody in crim
Misappropriation vs Private Property: Understanding Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that malversation requires public property. A mayor's custody of a private gun is not malversation.
Child Custody Rights in the Philippines: When Can a Parent Reclaim Their Child
Understand Philippine child custody rights and when a parent can reclaim custody, including legal grounds, court considerations, and practical guidance.
The Weight of a Sheriff's Duty: Liability for Failing to Execute Court Orders
When a sheriff fails to take custody of attached property, the consequences are serious. This case explains the liability.
Limits on Judicial Authority: When Can a Judge Issue a Warrant of Arrest?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause alone does not justify a warrant—judges must also find immediate custody necessary.
PNP Accountability When Law Enforcers Commit Murder in the Philippines
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction of four PNP members, holding police accountable for extrajudicial killing and escape from custody.
Child Custody in the Philippines: Understanding the Under-Seven Rule
The Supreme Court explains the mandatory under-seven rule in child custody cases under Article 213 of the Family Code.