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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Writ OF Possession Rights OF Third Parties IN Foreclosure Sales
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, emphasizing the need for unbroken evidence integrity.
Challenging Drug Busts: The Chain of Custody Rule in Illegal Drug Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when airport searches are valid and how the chain of custody of seized drugs is established in Philippine drug cases.
Airport Security vs Personal Rights: Striking the Balance in Drug Possession Cases
How the Supreme Court reconciled airport security searches with constitutional rights in a drug possession case, and what it means for travelers.
Navigating Entrapment Proving Illegal Drug Sale AND Possession Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish valid buy-bust operations from entrapment, and what proof is needed to convict for illegal drug sale or possession beyond reasonable doubt.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Ownership Claims
In ejectment cases, actual possession beats paper title. The Supreme Court explains why forcible entry is about possession de facto, not ownership.
Challenging Drug Convictions: How Chain of Custody Affects Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can—and cannot—overturn a conviction for illegal possession of shabu.
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.
Mandatory Injunctions When Possession of Titles Must Be Returned
When can a court order the return of property titles before trial? The Supreme Court explains the rules on preliminary mandatory injunctions.
Forcible Entry Cases: Prior Possession and Real Party-in-Interest Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession matters more than who holds title or certificate.
Buy-Bust Operations Ensuring Integrity in Drug Sale and Possession Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, explaining how buy-bust operations and chain of custody preserve evidence integrity under RA 9165.
Failure to Prove Actual Possession Dooms Unlawful Detainer Claim
In unlawful detainer cases, the plaintiff must prove actual possession by preponderance of evidence. The Supreme Court explains why.
Oral Partition of Land: When Possession Establishes Ownership Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on oral partition, possession, and ownership rights over inherited land. Learn the legal rules.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Rights in Drug Possession Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court's chain of custody rule protects accused persons in drug possession cases and why broken evidence links lead to acquittal.
Torrens Title vs. Claim of Ownership: Indefeasibility and Rightful Possession
A registered Torrens title is indefeasible and best proves ownership. Learn how courts treat claims against it in possession disputes.
Writ of Possession Stays Ministerial Despite Foreclosure Irregularity Claims
Explaining when courts must issue writs of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures, and when objections may be raised.
Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Drug Possession: The Chain of Custody Rule Under Philippine Law
Why the Supreme Court acquitted two accused in a shabu possession case due to a broken chain of custody, and what this means for drug cases.
CARP Landowner Rights After CLOA Issuance: Diamond Farms Case on Just Compensation and Beneficiary Possession
Supreme Court ruling on landowner rights, just compensation, and beneficiary possession under CARP after CLOA issuance in Diamond Farms v. Diamond Farm Workers.
Perfecting Land Titles: The Burden of Proof in Land Registration Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict burden of proof in land registration, including possession periods and evidence of alienability.
Acquisitive Prescription vs Torrens Title: Proving Land Registration Claims in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when possession of public land can ripen into private ownership and registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Perfecting Title: Strict Requirements for Land Registration in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict rules on land registration, including proof of alienability and possession periods.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs and the Credibility of Testimony
In People v. Maraorao, the Supreme Court acquitted an accused after finding a glaring inconsistency in the arresting officer's testimony on who held the bag of shabu.
Perfecting Land Titles: Continuous Possession and the June 12, 1945 Threshold
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves continuous possession since June 12, 1945 for judicial confirmation of imperfect land titles.
When Police Break the Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug possession convicts after a lone officer broke chain-of-custody rules, reaffirming that proof beyond reasonable doubt cannot rest on presumption of regularity.