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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Upholding Drug Convictions: Chain of Custody and Regular Performance of Duty in Narcotics Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, clarifying that minor lapses in Section 21 procedure do not automatically invalidate seizures when evidence integrity is preserved.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Integrity of the Chain of Custody Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, explaining that minor deviations from Section 21 procedures do not automatically render seized drugs inadmissible.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Do Not Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in Section 21 procedures still allow conviction, so long as the drug's integrity is preserved.
Mootness Doctrine: When Supervening Events Make Court Cases Academic
Learn how the mootness doctrine works in Philippine civil procedure, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Manalo.
Upholding Due Process in Administrative Cases: Impartiality and Fair Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements in administrative cases, emphasizing substantial evidence and the right to an impartial tribunal.
Finality of Judgment and the Fresh Period Rule: Timely Appeals in Philippine Civil Procedure
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule and finality of judgment principles in Eserjose v. Allied Banking Corporation.
Chain of Custody Lapses in Drug Cases: When Acquittal Becomes the Only Option
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Do Not Break the Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not break the chain of custody in drug cases.
Integrity of Evidence Prevails: Non-Compliance With Drug Evidence Procedures Not Always Fatal to Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police failure to follow Section 21, R.A. 9165, emphasizing evidence integrity.
Sheriffs' Duties and Ethical Conduct: Receiving Funds and Serving Summons
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies sheriff duties, the proper procedure for travel expense deposits, and the ethics of receiving funds.
Barangay Election Protests: Finality of Decisions and Execution Pending Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on execution pending appeal in barangay election protests, emphasizing finality and proper procedure.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Proper Procedure in Drug Cases
In People v. Oniza, the Supreme Court acquitted two accused of drug charges because police ignored the mandatory procedures under Section 21 of R.A. 9165.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Following POEA-SEC Dispute Procedures Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must follow the POEA-SEC third-doctor procedure in disability claims.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: Supreme Court on Employee Dismissal and Company Procedure
When is a dismissal valid despite procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause, due process, and nominal damages in labor cases.
Breach of Company Policy in Employee Termination: Due Process Lessons from SURNECO v. Gonzaga
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows that violating your own company procedure during dismissal can cost an employer P30,000 in nominal damages even if the dismissal is valid.
Preserving Integrity Ensuring Drug Evidence Validity Despite Procedural Lapses IN Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused because police failed to follow Section 21 procedures, casting doubt on evidence integrity.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Clarifying Rights and Procedures in Disputed Property Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified extrajudicial foreclosure rules, writ of possession, and procedural requirements in disputed mortgage cases.
Judicial Delay in Ejectment Cases: When Slow Justice Becomes a Sanctionable Offense
The Supreme Court fined a judge P10,000 for delaying an ejectment ruling beyond the mandatory 30-day period under the Rules on Summary Procedure.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Attorney Negligence Threatens a Client's Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may relax procedural rules, holding that a counsel's ordinary negligence binds the client and cannot justify a late appeal.
Seafarers Disability Claims Strict Compliance With POEA SEC Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must strictly comply with POEA-SEC disability claim procedures, including the 3-day post-employment medical examination rule.
Default Orders and Procedural Compliance: The Limits of Technical Objections
Understand when a technical defect in service of pleadings can—and cannot—justify setting aside a default order in Philippine civil procedure.
Suffrage and Procedure: Upholding the Electorate’s Will Despite Technicalities in Election Protests
The Supreme Court ruled that votes for a nuisance candidate with a similar surname must be counted for the bona fide candidate, protecting voter intent.
When Due Process Is Denied: Judge Fined for Ignoring Indispensable Parties and Legal Procedures
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how a judge was fined for ignoring indispensable parties, skipping summons rules, and violating notice requirements.
Timeliness and Sufficiency in Election Protests: Balancing Procedure and Substance
A look at Lloren v. COMELEC on appeal fee deadlines, motion fees, and the mandatory requirements for a valid election protest.