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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Relaxation of Procedural Rules Ensures Substantial Justice Prevails Over Technicalities in Certiorari Petition
Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to resolve merits of case involving memorial lot purchase, affirming RTC decision annulling contract.
Understanding Illegal Drug Possession Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court acquittal in a drug buy-bust case highlights strict rules on evidence and witness presence.
Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Employees Must Prove in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and when it amounts to constructive dismissal, and who bears the burden of proof.
Reasonable Doubt and Illegal Drug Sales: Safeguarding the Constitutional Presumption of Innocence
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police buy-bust procedures and evidence integrity raised reasonable doubt.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Understanding Attorney Negligence Duties and Consequences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies a lawyer's duty of diligence, when accepting fees creates an attorney-client relationship, and the penalties for neglect.
Airport Security VS Personal Rights Balancing Safety AND Consent IN Drug Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations clarifies when police must follow Section 21 of RA 9165 and how procedural lapses can lead to acquittal.
Double Jeopardy, Forum Shopping, and the Immutability of Judgments in Family Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, forum shopping, and indirect contempt in a family property dispute under RA 9262.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police breached the chain of custody rule under Section 21, RA 9165, creating reasonable doubt.
Mandatory Retirement vs. Reappointment Rights in Philippine State Universities
Supreme Court clarifies that mandatory retirement age does not automatically end a valid reappointment term of a state university president.
Malicious Mischief in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when destroying property in a dispute becomes malicious mischief, and why claims of ownership do not justify taking the law into one's own hands.
Compromised Chain of Custody A Blow to Drug Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when inventory lacked DOJ representative, stressing strict chain of custody compliance under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance with Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 witness requirements, stressing the need for strict chain of custody compliance.
Government Procurement and Financial Accountability: Lessons from the Talisay City COA Disallowance Case
The Supreme Court upheld COA disallowances against Talisay City officials for procurement violations, clarifying rules on competitive bidding, budget realignment, and personal liability.
Usurpation of Authority: Delineating Official Functions and Good Faith in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the meaning of "forthwith" in impeachment proceedings, emphasizing the Senate's discretion in preparing for trial and the limits of judicial intervention.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Proving Social Media Authorship and Higher Penalties
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and rules that using Facebook raises the penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Sets Social Media Evidence Rules
The Supreme Court affirms that Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, setting guidelines on proving social media authorship and raising penalties for ICT use.
Understanding Contracts TO Sell: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract is an assignment, not a guaranty, and the limits of apparent authority.
Loan Assignment vs Guaranty: Bank Liability for Assigned Loan Proceeds
When is a bank liable for assigned loan proceeds? The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between assignment and guaranty.
Liability in Government Contracts: Mere Initialing Not Enough
When can government officers be held personally liable for disallowed payments? The Supreme Court clarifies in this COA case.
Mandatory Witness Rule in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to secure DOJ representative during inventory, reinforcing chain of custody rules.
Acquittal in Drug Case: When Police Lapses in Chain of Custody Lead to Freedom
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, explaining the chain of custody rule.
Acquittal for Broken Drug Chain of Custody: Grefaldo v. People Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows why police must strictly follow drug evidence rules, or face acquittal.
Challenging Drug Possession: Upholding the Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the strict chain of custody rule.