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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Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance with Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, underscoring the chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody Lapses Overturn Drug Conviction: People v. Roales
Supreme Court acquits drug offender due to unjustified lapses in Section 21 chain of custody procedure, stressing strict compliance.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: When a Rape Accusation Fails for Lack of Force or Intimidation
The Supreme Court acquits a rape convict, explaining why voluntary consent negates force, threat, or intimidation under Article 266-A.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Adherence TO THE Three Witness Rule IN Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in a drug case for the police's failure to comply with the three-witness rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Bribery Case Due to Inconsistent Testimony
Supreme Court acquits prosecutor of direct bribery, ruling that inconsistent prosecution testimony failed to prove the gift was given in consideration of official action.
Prolonged Preliminary Investigation and Speedy Disposition: What the Supreme Court Said
A dismissed criminal case for failure to prosecute raises the question: when does delay violate the right to speedy disposition of cases?
When a Motorcycle Ride Makes a Killing Murder: People v. Padal Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows how using a motorcycle to chase a victim can elevate a killing from homicide to murder under Philippine law.
Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke the chain of custody rule. Learn the procedural safeguards under RA 9165.
Disbarment for Adultery and Abandonment: Moral Standards for Philippine Lawyers
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for adultery and abandoning his family, reaffirming that private misconduct reflects on fitness to practice law.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying the 120/240-Day Rule for Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent and total under the 120/240-day rule in Jebsens Maritime v. Pasamba.
Certiorari as a Remedy Against Default Judgments for Grave Abuse of Discretion
When can a party use certiorari instead of appeal to challenge a default judgment? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Reasonable Doubt When Evidence Fails to Prove Illegal Drug Transport
The Supreme Court acquits three accused of transporting shabu where prosecution failed to prove they were on board the vehicle and broke the chain of custody.
Consent and Coercion: Rape and Sexual Abuse Nuances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between rape and sexual abuse, acquitting on rape but convicting on child abuse.
Motion for Reconsideration Stays Execution: Due Process in Land Disputes
A pending motion for reconsideration stays execution of judgment. The Supreme Court explains why a writ of execution cannot bind non-parties.
Ante-Nuptial Agreements: Waiving Rights to Property Acquired During Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how ante-nuptial agreements with complete separation of property can waive claims over properties acquired during marriage.
Chain of Custody Breach Acquits Drug Transport Accused: Musa v. People
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case due to a broken chain of custody and unproven transport, reinforcing strict rules.
The Doctrine of Mootness: Resolving Association Election Disputes Beyond Expired Terms
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when election contests become moot after officers' terms expire, and the exceptions to the mootness doctrine.
Understanding the Elements of Rape and the Power of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how a victim's credible testimony can prove rape, even without physical injuries or eyewitnesses.
Ante-Nuptial Agreements and Property Waivers: The Delgado v. GQ Realty Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Delgado v. GQ Realty clarifies how ante-nuptial agreements can waive property rights, even for assets registered under a spouse's family corporation.
Obscenity Laws vs. Free Speech: The Madrilejos Ruling on Manila Ordinance 7780
The Supreme Court’s Madrilejos ruling clarifies how Philippine obscenity laws must balance regulation with constitutionally protected free expression.
Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute: Balancing Litigant Diligence and Court Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for failure to prosecute is proper, emphasizing courts should decide cases on their merits.
Forged Signatures and Bank Liability: Upholding Due Diligence in Loan Transactions
When a bank honors a forged check, it bears the loss. The Supreme Court explains why in PNB v. Giron-Roque.
Compromise Agreements Bind Courts: Enforcing Terms as Written
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, judicial authority, and remedies for breach in Bernardo v. Union Bank.
Encroachment and Good Faith: Resolving Land Disputes Under Article 448 of the Civil Code
Understand how the Supreme Court handles land disputes involving good faith builders, encroachment, and Article 448 of the Civil Code.