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 Rule Is Substantive Law, Not a Technicality: People v. Fuentes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the chain of custody rule in drug cases is substantive law, and acquits accused for unjustified deviations.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Anti-Drug Operations
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke chain of custody rules, reaffirming that procedural lapses can compromise evidence integrity.
Unexcused Absence and Termination: When Is an Employee Considered AWOL
Learn when an employee is considered AWOL and can be dropped from the rolls, based on a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Child Abuse Intent Not Always Required Under Special Protection Laws
Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase a child is not always required for conviction under RA 7610's child abuse provisions.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, clarifying the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and the required witnesses.
When Court Complaints Cross the Line: Lessons from the Tallado v. Racoma Administrative Case
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against two RTC judges, warning against using judicial audits to harass the bench.
Foreclosure Writ of Possession: Appeal Does Not Stay Implementation
Supreme Court clarifies that an appeal of a writ of possession order in extrajudicial foreclosure does not suspend its implementation.
Chain of Custody in Firearm Cases: When Delayed Marking Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a firearm possession accused over unjustified delayed marking, clarifying chain of custody rules under RA 10591.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may order reconstitution of a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
Deposit Insurance Claims Upholding Pdic Authority AND Defining Course OF Business
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation's regulatory authority over bank operations and the definition of "course of business" in deposit insurance claim
When a Mortgage on Trust Property Is Void: UCPB v. Spouses Chua
The Supreme Court rules that a bank cannot foreclose on properties held in trust when the trustee had no authority to mortgage them.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Third-Party Property: UCPB's Duty to Protect Borrower Interests
When a bank forecloses property mortgaged by a third party without the owner's consent, the Supreme Court protects the true owner's rights.
Valid Dation in Payment: When a Debtor's Creditor Still Has Authority to Settle
Supreme Court explains when a dation in payment is valid even if the creditor assigned its receivables to another party.
Unfair Competition and Trade Name Confusion: The Paperone Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate name can amount to unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, even without trademark infringement.
Unfair Competition in Trade Names: PAPER ONE vs. Paperone, Inc.
Supreme Court clarifies unfair competition rules when a corporate name closely mimics an established trademark, reversing the Court of Appeals.
When a Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Treachery Must Exist at the Attack's Inception
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery must exist from the very start of the attack.
Safeguarding Constitutional Rights: The High Cost of Defective Search Warrants in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullifies search warrants issued without a searching examination, reaffirming that evidence seized under void warrants is inadmissible.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
Tax Exemption for Coal Operators: Interpreting Special Laws and VAT Obligations
The Supreme Court affirms Semirara Mining's VAT exemption under PD 972, clarifying how special laws interact with the NIRC.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How One Missing Witness Led to Acquittal
In People v. Dela Cruz, the Supreme Court acquitted two drug accused because the prosecution failed to justify the absence of a media witness during inventory.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Protects Individual Rights
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for unjustified failure to secure a media witness during inventory, reaffirming strict chain of custody rules.
Just Compensation and Judicial Notice Limits in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may take judicial notice of other cases in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
Voluntary Retirement vs Illegal Dismissal: When Floating Status Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the six-month floating status rule and when it ripens into constructive dismissal under Article 301 of the Labor Code.