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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Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Drug Chain OF Custody IN Philippine LAW
When police break the chain of custody for seized drugs, the accused may be acquitted. Learn the rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Preliminary Investigation Is a Substantive Right: Lessons from Palacios v. People
The Supreme Court rules that denying a reinvestigation based on procedural guidelines violates due process when the accused was never notified.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Cases
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Graft Conviction Upheld for DENR Official Demanding Payment for Free Patent Applications
Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of DENR official under Section 3(c) of RA 3019 for demanding money to process free patent applications.
Government Agencies and Surety Bonds in Real Property Tax Disputes: The PMO v. CTA Ruling
When can a government agency skip the surety bond in real property tax cases? The Supreme Court clarifies in PMO v. CTA.
When Police Break the Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165, highlighting a strict standard for drug prosecutions.
When “Married To” on a Land Title Is Only Descriptive, Not Proof of Conjugal Ownership
The Supreme Court clarifies that the phrase “married to” on a title is merely descriptive and does not prove conjugal ownership of property.
Demanding Money for Expedited Permits Is a Violation of Anti-Graft Laws
The Supreme Court affirms that a DENR official demanding payment for processing free patent applications violates Section 3(c) of RA 3019.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Witness Distance Undermines Drug Sale Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to secure required witnesses at arrest scene, breaking chain of custody.
Due Process in VAWC Cases: The Right to Preliminary Investigation and Fair Notice
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a respondent's right to due process in VAWC cases, requiring proper notice during preliminary investigation.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employment becomes regular employment, protecting workers' security of tenure under Philippine law.
Currency Conversion in Labor Disputes: Keeping Awards Fair When Currencies Change
When a foreign currency is demonetized, can a labor arbiter convert a final award to its replacement? The Supreme Court says yes.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Sale Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects where police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Freight Forwarder Liability for Cargo Damage: Proving Negligence in Claims
A freight forwarder acting as a common carrier is presumed negligent when cargo arrives damaged. Learn the legal rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
When a Freight Forwarder Becomes a Common Carrier: Liability for Damaged Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a freight forwarder is treated as a common carrier and held liable for damaged goods under the Civil Code.
Due Process and Forum Shopping: Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Against Atty. Rastica
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint for lack of evidence and forum shopping, reiterating that lawyers deserve due process and protection from vexatious charges.
Chain of Custody and Admissibility of Evidence in Illegal Drug Cases: A Deep Dive
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for the prosecution's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165 on chain of custody.
Chain of Custody and Warrantless Arrests in Philippine Drug Cases: The Dominguez Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over an invalid warrantless arrest, clarifying that waiving an arrest defect does not waive evidence admissibility.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Safeguards in Evidence Handling Matter
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite police lapses, but warns that procedural shortcuts can undermine the integrity of seized evidence.
Safeguarding Rights: Chain of Custody and the Integrity of Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that a warrantless arrest and seizure of a plastic sachet violated constitutional rights.
Proof in Tax Refund Claims: Annual ITR Suffices, Quarterly Returns Not Mandatory
The Supreme Court clarifies that presenting quarterly ITRs is not required to prove a claim for refund of excess creditable withholding taxes.
Marijuana Possession Proving Intent Despite Procedural Lapses In Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms marijuana possession conviction despite buy-bust procedural lapses, citing accused's admission and preserved evidence integrity.
Lawyer Suspended 3 Years for Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for 3 years for failing to transfer client's property titles for 8 years and misusing P170,000 in client funds.
Hierarchy of Courts: Why Direct Appeals to the Supreme Court on Factual Matters Fail
The Supreme Court dismisses a petition against airport project bundling, reaffirming that factual issues must first be heard by lower courts.