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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Protecting Children: Upholding Convictions for Child Abuse Under Republic Act No. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying how courts assess child victims' testimonies.
Upholding Chain of Custody: Integrity of Drug Evidence in Buy-Bust Operations
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict Section 21 compliance and witness requirements.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
Agrarian Reform DAR Jurisdiction Over Land Acquisition Disputes Post June 2014
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DAR retains exclusive jurisdiction over agrarian reform implementation cases pending as of June 30, 2014.
Jurisdictional Overreach When CAN A Judge Grant Bail Outside Their Territory
Upholding Client Loyalty: Attorney Sanctioned for Representing Conflicting Interests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for representing conflicting interests, reaffirming the strict duty of loyalty lawyers owe their clients.
Rape Conviction Upheld When Knife Threat Came After the Act: People v. Tagle
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deadly weapon qualifies rape—and when it does not—in People v. Tagle.
Father's Moral Ascendancy as Force in Qualified Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force or intimidation in qualified rape, upholding conviction.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with RA 9165 evidence rules.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land in the Philippines
Learn the strict rule on proving alienable and disposable land for registration under the Property Registration Decree, explained in plain language.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: The Strict Rule After Republic v. Bautista
The Supreme Court clarifies that CENRO certifications alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable for original registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Authority to File Suit: When a Missing SPA Defeats Court Jurisdiction
A complaint filed by an attorney-in-fact without a Special Power of Authority is invalid, depriving the court of jurisdiction over the case.
The Indispensable Role of DENR Certification in Land Registration: Highpoint Development Corp. vs. Republic
A CENRO certification alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable. Learn the strict requirements for original registration of title in the Philippines.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Compliance With Section 21 Is Crucial
A buy-bust conviction reversed because police failed to justify non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Case for Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence and doubtful identification cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Still Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Witness Requirements and Evidentiary Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court raises penalty for psychological abuse committed via Facebook, ruling ICT use qualifies for one-degree higher punishment under RA 10175.
Brokerage Disputes and Jurisdiction: Lessons from Ku v. RCBC Securities
A look at Ku v. RCBC Securities on RTC jurisdiction over brokerage disputes and the rules on docket fees.
HRET Quorum Rules on Justices and Jurisdiction Upheld as Constitutional
The Supreme Court upholds HRET rules requiring a Justice for quorum and clarifies jurisdiction over House members' election contests.
Defective Information and Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to properly document seized items, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody Breach Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
A drug sale conviction overturned because police photographed the wrong sachet, breaking the chain of custody and compromising evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why the Drug Itself Must Be Proven
Philippine Supreme Court acquits in drug sale case over broken chain of custody. Learn the strict rules on evidence integrity under RA 9165.