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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Flaws in Drug Evidence Chain of Custody and Rights in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects when police fail to strictly follow Section 21 chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: Third-Party Claims in Philippine Mortgage Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writ of possession in mortgage foreclosures, explaining when third-party adverse claims can block eviction.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached the chain of custody rule, underscoring the need for strict evidence handling.
Unlawful Arrests and Drug Possession: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over a broken chain of custody, underscoring constitutional safeguards in buy-bust operations.
Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: Proving Consent for Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere silence or inaction is not tolerance; owners must prove positive acts of consent in unlawful detainer cases.
Flaws in Drug Evidence Handling Lead to Acquittal: Strict Chain of Custody Vital
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and illegal arrest, stressing strict Section 21 compliance.
Definitive Disability Assessments: Protecting Seafarers' Right to Full Compensation
The Supreme Court ruled that a company doctor's tentative or unclear disability rating does not bar a seafarer from claiming permanent total disability benefits.
Prior Public Use and the Power of Expropriation: The NGCP Case
When can a private franchise holder expropriate property already devoted to public use? The Supreme Court clarifies in this 2019 ruling.
Eminent Domain and Private Property: Clarifying Expropriation Powers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when state-owned land is private property subject to expropriation, and the limits of delegated eminent domain.
Incestuous Rape: When Moral Ascendancy Substitutes for Force
The Supreme Court explains how a father's moral ascendancy can substitute for force in incestuous rape cases, and clarifies the distinction between rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Superior Strength in Criminal Law: Weapon Disparity and Victim Vulnerability
When does killing with a gun become murder? Philippine Supreme Court clarifies treachery, weapon disparity, and victim vulnerability.
Diminished Liability When Forewarning Reduces Murder TO Homicide
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a victim forewarned of danger negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Death Does Not Erase Misconduct: Forfeiture of Judge's Benefits Affirmed
Supreme Court rules a judge's death does not dismiss administrative cases; forfeiture of benefits stands for grave misconduct.
Defining Marriage: The Falcis Case and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's 2019 Falcis ruling on same-sex marriage in the Philippines, explained in plain language with practical takeaways.
Falcis v. Civil Registrar General: Why the Supreme Court Declined to Rule on Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition seeking to legalize same-sex marriage in the Philippines, ruling on procedural grounds without deciding the constitutional merits.
Parental Authority vs. Individual Rights: Sterilization of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in the Phili
The Supreme Court's Falcis ruling clarifies justiciability standards, impacting how courts handle cases involving parental authority and individual rights for persons with disabilities.
Wealth Cannot Be a Test for Candidacy: The Marquez v. COMELEC Ruling
The Supreme Court rules that lack of proof of financial capacity alone cannot justify declaring a senatorial aspirant a nuisance candidate.
Disbarment for Immorality Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court underscores that lawyers must uphold the highest ethical standards, with immorality as a ground for disbarment.
Mamasapano Tragedy: Determining Liability in Complex Military Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for determining criminal negligence and probable cause in the Mamasapano tragedy, addressing command responsibility and intervening causes.
Calida v. Trillanes: When a Legislative Inquiry Becomes Moot
Supreme Court dismisses Calida petition against Trillanes' Senate inquiry as moot after Congress adjourned.
Wealth vs Right: Financial Capacity Cannot Bar Senate Candidacy
Supreme Court rules COMELEC cannot disqualify Senate aspirants as nuisance candidates solely for lacking proof of financial capacity to campaign nationwide.
Annulment of Title and the Doctrine of Non-Interference in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a trial court cannot annul a co-equal court's order, applying the doctrine of judicial stability.
Upholding Integrity Consequences FOR Notarizing Documents Without Personal Appearance 4
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for notarizing a deed without the parties' personal appearance, stressing notarization is not a routinary act.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Rules Ensures Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules, protecting the accused's rights.