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 Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, highlighting strict requirements.
Venue Stipulations and the Right Remedy: Pillars Property v. Century Communities
The Supreme Court clarifies when a venue stipulation binds parties and why dismissal for improper venue calls for certiorari, not appeal.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug sale case due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
NPC's Real Property Tax Exemption Claim Fails: Ownership and Actual Use Matter
Supreme Court rules NPC cannot claim real property tax exemption for BOT power plant facilities it neither owns nor actually uses.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring the Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for illegal sale and possession of marijuana, ruling that the chain of custody over seized drugs was unbroken despite the accused's objections.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody and Section 21 non-compliance, underscoring strict evidentiary rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, emphasizing the need for insulating witnesses.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
Chain of Custody: Why Drug Evidence Integrity Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody under Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules.
Protecting Children: Lascivious Conduct and the Boundaries of Child Abuse Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple rape and sexual abuse under RA 7610, and the rules on proving a victim's minority.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Premeditated Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, clarifying the elements of treachery and its role in ensuring justice for victims of sudden, premeditated attacks.
Chain of Custody Breakdown: Drug Evidence Integrity and the Reasonable Doubt Standard
When police break the chain of custody in drug cases, the Supreme Court may acquit—even if the accused was caught in a buy-bust.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Elevate Homicide to Murder
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using a 2019 stabbing case to illustrate sudden, unexpected attacks.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
Mitigating Penalties in Administrative Cases: Balancing Public Accountability and Social Justice
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal for grave misconduct may be reduced, balancing public accountability with social justice.
Revoking Donations: The Imperative of Fulfilled Conditions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when donations may be revoked for non-fulfillment of conditions, and the legal consequences.
Martial Law Extension in Mindanao: Supreme Court Upholds Third Extension, Clarifies Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court upheld the third extension of martial law in Mindanao, ruling rebellion persists and public safety requires it, while clarifying the scope of judicial review.
Timely Objections in Philippine Courts: The Magsino Evidence Ruling
Learn when to object to expert testimony and documentary evidence in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's Magsino ruling.
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Illegal Arrests and Inadmissible Evidence in Firearms Cases
A buy-bust arrest later found illegal taints all seized evidence, including firearms. The Supreme Court explains the exclusionary rule.
Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: Mere Inaction Is Not Enough
Landlord or owner silence after a waiver does not prove tolerance in unlawful detainer. The Supreme Court explains what must be shown.
Co-Ownership Disputes: How Inheritance and Sales Affect Land Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when administrative orders on land disputes become final and how co-ownership, inheritance, and sales affect property rights.
Land Title Registration: Proving Government Approval and Continuous Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable, plus continuous possession for registration.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Noncompliance Means Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect for police failure to comply with Section 21 chain of custody requirements under RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police failure to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of regularity cannot replace strict compliance.