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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Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Protects the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the mandatory safeguards under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Moral Ascendancy and the Shadow of Doubt: Familial Rape in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court weighed circumstantial evidence, moral ascendancy, and delayed reporting in a father's qualified rape conviction.
Foreclosure Voided: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Supreme Court voids foreclosure sale for lack of republication and reposting of rescheduled sale notice, affirming mandatory rules under Act No. 3135.
Limits on Allowances When Public Funds Demand Strict Interpretation
The Supreme Court upheld COA's disallowance of PhilHealth board allowances, ruling that public funds demand strict interpretation of what the law allows.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Integrity
A drug conviction overturned because police failed to follow chain of custody rules. Learn the strict requirements and practical lessons.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Marking at Nearest Office Is Sufficient for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that marking seized drugs at the nearest police station or office of the apprehending team satisfies the chain of custody rule.
Circumstantial Evidence and Parricide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Familial Crimes
How the Supreme Court upheld a parricide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, not direct proof, in People v. Espinosa.
Burden of Proof in Quasi-Delict Claims: Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on negligence, quasi-delict liability, and evidentiary standards in a vehicular accident insurance subrogation case.
Testimony After Trauma: Res Gestae and Proving Guilt in Rape Cases
When a rape victim dies before trial, can her words still convict? The Supreme Court explains the res gestae exception to hearsay.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Strict Compliance or Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the chain of custody rule.
Laches and Jurisdiction: When Delaying a Challenge Can Validate an Invalid Forum
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on laches, jurisdiction, and forum challenges in labor disputes, with practical takeaways for employers and employees.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to explain missing DOJ and media witnesses during inventory.
Navigating the Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug sale accused over unjustified lapses in the Section 21 chain of custody rule, stressing strict compliance.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Banquilay Means for Buy-Bust Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, clarifying that minor chain of custody lapses do not automatically invalidate seized evidence.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Premeditated Attacks Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, affirming a conviction and explaining how the attack's suddenness deprives victims of defense.
Quasi-Delict Claims Need No Reservation: Supreme Transport Ruling Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that quasi-delict counterclaims may proceed without reservation in criminal cases, subject only to the ban on double recovery.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Ethical Boundaries in Attorney Representation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for representing conflicting interests, committing forum shopping, and neglecting clients.
R.A. 10951 Penalty Adjustment: How Final Theft Convictions Can Be Modified and Inmates Released
The Supreme Court clarifies how R.A. 10951 modifies penalties in final theft convictions, remanding cases to trial courts for possible early release.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: When Good Faith Prevails in Civil Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when underpaid docket fees do not defeat jurisdiction, applying the good faith exception from Manchester and Sun Insurance.
Procurement Violations Supreme Court Emphasizes Compliance Despite Settled Claims
Supreme Court ruling on procurement violations involving Artes International highlights strict compliance with government procurement rules, even for settled claims.
Barangay Conciliation Is Not Jurisdictional: When Non-Referral Is Waived
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to undergo barangay conciliation is a waivable condition precedent, not a jurisdictional defect.
Strict Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Unjustified Non-Compliance Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, stressing the strict chain of custody rule.
Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction Over Ombudsman Decisions in Criminal Cases
The Court rules that petitions questioning Ombudsman probable cause findings in criminal cases must be filed with the Supreme Court, not the CA.