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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Constructive Possession Knowledge AND Control IN Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court explains when a passenger in a car carrying drugs can be convicted of constructive possession under RA 9165.
Liability for Forged Checks When Collecting Banks Bear the Loss
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on collecting bank liability for forged endorsements, negligence standards, and the fictitious payee rule.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Conviction Upheld: Lessons on Appeal Limits
Supreme Court affirms large scale illegal recruitment conviction, raises fine to P5M, and explains why erroneous estafa penalties can no longer be corrected.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Justifiable Grounds for Inventory Location and the Chain of Custody Rule
Explaining when police may move drug inventory from the arrest site, and how the saving clause preserves convictions under RA 9165.
Fake Court Decision Leads to Disbarment for Lawyer's Deceit and Misrepresentation
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who fabricated a court decision in a nullity of marriage case, reaffirming strict ethical standards for attorneys.
Corporate Disputes: Navigating Derivative Suits and Jurisdictional Boundaries in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when derivative suits are proper and how jurisdictional boundaries apply in corporate disputes.
Pancreatic Cancer and Seafarers' Benefits: Proving Work Relatedness Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's non-listed illness like pancreatic cancer is compensable, and the strict proof required.
Due Process Prevails: Informations Clarity Protects Against Unfair Conviction
The Supreme Court rules that administrative liability requires a formal charge, protecting public employees from unfair conviction based on delay alone.
Broken Chains: How Mishandling Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Three-Day Reporting Rule
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability claims and the mandatory three-day post-employment medical examination requirement under the POEA-SEC.
Reconstitution of Title Requires Strict Compliance and Proof of Existence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles: strict compliance with RA 26 and proof of title existence required.
Broken Chains: Acquittal Due to Flawed Drug Evidence Handling
Why a buy-bust conviction was overturned when police failed to secure the required witnesses for the drug inventory.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure the required witnesses during inventory, explaining the strict chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 matters.
Unlawful Marijuana Possession Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Searches
A Supreme Court ruling shows how strict compliance with drug evidence rules protects the accused against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Duplicitous Informations and Child Abuse: Understanding Convictions for Multiple Offenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how duplicitous informations can lead to convictions for multiple offenses, and when child abuse charges apply instead of rape.
Redefining Child Abuse Rape Conviction Upheld Statutory Interpretation Clarified
Navigating the Nuances of Rape Convictions and Appeals in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies appeal rules for rape convictions with reclusion perpetua, and the limits of automatic review.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Compliance Required IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that Rule 45 petitions must strictly comply with procedural deadlines, and clarifies the elements of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Financial Support and Psychological Violence: Understanding the Limits of the VAWC Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere failure to provide financial support is not enough for conviction under the VAWC Law's psychological violence provision.
Balancing Efficiency and Due Process: The 60-Day Certiorari Rule in Court Operations
Examining Puregold v. Court of Appeals, which underscores the strict 60-day period for certiorari and the binding effect of counsel's receipt of orders.
Prescription in Tax Assessments: Waivers Must Be Strictly Compliant for Validity
Waivers of the tax prescription period are strictly construed. Missing the BIR's date of acceptance voids them, and assessments without due dates fail.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Enforcement IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies medical malpractice prescription and strict procedural deadlines for certiorari petitions under Rule 45.
Protecting Minors Trafficking Conviction Upheld Despite Evidentiary Challenges
Supreme Court affirms life sentence for trafficking a minor, ruling that stipulated facts and credible testimony suffice despite evidentiary questions.