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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Premature Election Notices and Lawyer Discipline: A Lesson in Upholding the Rule of Law
A provincial election supervisor's premature notices before COMELEC acted led to a one-year suspension—a lesson on lawyers' duty to obey the law.
Chain of Custody and Witness Requirements in Drug Cases: Safeguarding the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory and mishandled evidence authentication.
Judicial Accountability: Delay in Resolving Motions and the Judge's Duty
A Supreme Court ruling holds a judge liable for undue delay, reinforcing that judges cannot blame staff for failing to resolve motions promptly.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing a DOJ Witness Led to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police failed to justify the absence of a DOJ representative during inventory, stressing strict chain-of-custody compliance.
Strict Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Broken Chain of Custody: How Strict Evidence Handling Secured an Acquittal in a Drug Case
In People v. Sumilip, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale accused after finding the police failed to preserve the chain of custody of the seized marijuana.
Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Procedures Protects the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules, underscoring the need to protect the integrity of seized evidence.
Plain View Doctrine and Warrantless Arrests: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, underscoring the mandatory rules on warrantless arrests, chain of custody, and presumption of innocence.
Boundary Disputes: Why Forcible Entry Is the Wrong Remedy and Accion Reivindicatoria Is Right
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that boundary disputes involving Torrens titles cannot be resolved through forcible entry, but only through accion reivindicatoria.
Safeguarding Rights: The Peril of Shortcuts in Drug Cases and the Importance of Due Process
In People v. Sumilip, the Supreme Court acquitted an accused after police failed to follow the strict chain of custody rules under the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Unlawful Search When A Traffic Violation Doesnt Justify A Frisk
When does a routine traffic stop justify a body search? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of warrantless searches in drug cases.
Boundary Disputes Cannot Be Settled by Forcible Entry: The Proper Remedy Is Accion Reivindicatoria
Boundary disputes that question ownership cannot be resolved through forcible entry; the Supreme Court requires an accion reivindicatoria instead.
Upholding Academic Freedom: The Limits of State Power in Legal Education
The Supreme Court strikes down the PhiLSAT requirement, affirming academic freedom and the Court's exclusive power over legal education.
Involuntary Loss of Office Interrupts Term Limit: Tallado v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules that executing an Ombudsman dismissal order interrupts an official's term, even if appealed, preventing the three-term limit from applying.
PhilHealth Personnel Are Public Health Workers: Longevity Pay Case
Supreme Court rules PhilHealth personnel are public health workers under the Universal Health Care Act, entitling them to longevity pay.
Legislative Reapportionment: When New Districts Take Effect and Voters' Rights Prevail
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's suspension of South Cotabato's 1st District elections, clarifying when legislative reapportionment takes effect.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects due to the prosecution's failure to comply with the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects after police fail to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
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.
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.
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.
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.