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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Probable Cause vs Due Process: Independent Judicial Assessment in Arrest Warrant Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between executive and judicial probable cause in arrest warrant issuance, and the limits of due process in preliminary investigation.
Warrant of Arrest: Judge's Discretion vs Executive Review in Philippine Criminal Procedure
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on the distinction between executive and judicial determination of probable cause in warrant issuance.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases Overcomes Defense of Denial
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, holding that a victim's credible, positive testimony prevails over the accused's bare denial.
Safeguarding Integrity: Strict Enforcement of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in the chain of custody rule, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted two accused in a drug case after police broke the chain of custody rule. Learn the safeguards.
Upholding Union Rights Substantial Compliance Prevails In Labor Disputes
Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with procedural rules protects union rights in labor disputes, prioritizing justice over technicalities.
Supreme Court Upholds Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Charges Over Lahar Quarrying
The Court explains when it will not interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings, even where injury to a landowner may exist.
Ancestral Land Disputes: When Regular Courts, Not NCIP, Have Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that the NCIP's jurisdiction over ancestral land disputes is limited to parties from the same indigenous group.
Financial Abuse as Psychological Violence: Supreme Court Upholds VAWC Protection for Wives
The Supreme Court rules that a husband's denial of financial support can constitute psychological violence under RA 9262, affirming a conviction.
The Limits of Mandamus: When Courts Can Compel Government Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can compel government action, explaining the limits of mandamus in government contract negotiations.
When Drug Evidence Handling Holds Up: Lessons From a Shabu Possession Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how proper chain of custody over seized drugs can defeat an acquittal bid in Philippine drug cases.
Government Lawyer's Suspension for Neglect of Duty and Improper Conduct Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a government employee's oversight becomes simple neglect versus conduct prejudicial to the service.
Substantial Compliance in Labor Disputes: Upholding Workers' Rights Despite Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court rules that substantial compliance with procedural rules protects workers' rights in labor disputes, reversing a dismissal on technical grounds.
Limits of Mandamus: DepEd Not Compelled to Collect Loan Payments for Private Lenders
Supreme Court rules DepEd cannot be compelled by mandamus to collect and remit teacher loan payments for private lenders.
Compromised Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Possession Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Eradicating Exploitation: Trafficking of Minors and the Protective Laws of the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that confidential informants are not indispensable in trafficking cases, upholding a conviction based on the victim's testimony.
When Buy-Bust Evidence Fails: Chain of Custody and Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rules.
Guarantee vs Suretyship: How Waiving Excussion Changes Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "guarantee" becomes a suretyship, and why a rehabilitation stay order does not protect a surety.
Broken Chains: Why Drug Evidence Must Be Preserved for Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Trafficking in Persons Conviction Upheld: Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt Without the Informant's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a trafficking conviction, ruling that a confidential informant's testimony is not indispensable when the victim's account and police evidence establish guilt.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Individual Liberties
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Breach and Balance: Equitable Relief in Construction Contract Disputes
When both parties breach a construction contract, courts may equitably mitigate damages. The Supreme Court explains how.
Compromise Agreements Resolving Disputes AND Rendering Cases Moot
Learn how a compromise agreement with judicial approval becomes a judgment on the merits, rendering pending appeals moot.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Assessed Value of the Whole Lot Controls
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in property disputes, jurisdiction is determined by the assessed value alleged in the complaint, not the disputed portion's value.