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.
Indispensable Parties: Why Government Agencies Must Be Included in Correction of Public Record Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a correction of birth date ruling because government agencies were not impleaded as indispensable parties. Learn the rules.
Shared Responsibility: Apportioning Liability Between Carriers and Arrastre Operators for Cargo Damage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when carriers and arrastre operators share liability for damaged cargo, and the rules on subrogation and prescription.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why minor procedural lapses do not automatically acquit an accused.
Public Space vs Private Gain: When Loan Agreements Undermine Public Land Rights
Supreme Court rules loans secured by public plaza are void; public dominion property cannot be collateralized for commercial ventures.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 suffices when the drug's integrity and evidentiary value are preserved.
When Courts Can No Longer Enforce Agreements: The Difference Between Entrapment and Instigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when police buy-bust operations are legal entrapment versus illegal instigation, and why the distinction matters in drug cases.
Support Pendente Lite Orders Are Interlocutory: When Can They Be Appealed?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that support pendente lite orders are interlocutory and not appealable, explaining the proper remedy under Rule 65.
When a Drug Sale Isn't a Sale: Payment Must Be Completed for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal drug sale requires actual payment, not just delivery. Learn the key elements and why possession still leads to conviction.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding Procedural Rules in Annulment and Adoption Cases
A judge fined P10,000 for skipping mandatory no-collusion reports in annulments and adoption safeguards—a lesson in judicial accountability.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Drug Cases Due to Broken Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, explaining why procedural lapses matter.
Chain of Custody in Drug Sale Convictions: What People v. Aneslag Teaches
The Supreme Court explains why preserving the integrity of seized drugs matters more than strict procedural compliance in drug cases.
Foreclosure vs Rehabilitation: When a Stay Order Takes Effect
A stay order in corporate rehabilitation does not undo a foreclosure completed before the petition. Ownership matters.
Breach of Trust: Employer May Dismiss for Misconduct Despite Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employee's acquittal in a criminal case does not bar dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Escheat Proceedings: Banks Must Notify Depositors Before Dormant Funds Are Transferred to the State
Philippine Supreme Court rules on banks' duty to notify depositors before dormant funds are escheated to the state, protecting depositor rights.
Accountability in Public Office: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation of public funds and why restitution does not erase criminal liability for accountable officers.
Chain of Custody in Philippine Drug Cases: Why Proper Evidence Handling Matters
Learn the chain of custody rule in Philippine drug cases and why proper evidence handling is crucial for a conviction.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Lessons from People v. Uy
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why unexplained flight and possession of stolen goods matter.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drugs: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rulings on the chain of custody rule in drug cases and how it protects the accused's rights.
Custody Consequences: Understanding Failure to Return a Minor Under Philippine Law
Learn what constitutes the crime of kidnapping and failure to return a minor under Philippine law, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Broken Chains, Broken Cases: Why Chain of Custody Is King in Philippine Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over a broken chain of custody, underscoring the prosecution's burden to prove the drug's identity beyond doubt.
Restrictive Custody vs Illegal Detention: Habeas Corpus in Philippine National Police Custody
Understand the difference between restrictive custody and illegal detention, and when habeas corpus applies in Philippine National Police custody cases.
Facilities vs Supplements in Wage Disputes: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between facilities and supplements in computing wages, and when employers may deduct their value.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Under RA 9165
Explaining People v. Presas on the chain of custody rule in drug cases—when lapses in procedure do not automatically break the prosecution's case.
Illegal Sale of Shabu: Credible Testimony and the Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court affirms a shabu conviction, explaining how credible witness testimony and preserved evidence outweigh lapses in the chain of custody.