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 in Drug Cases: Why Piecemeal Compliance Led to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police conducted two separate inventories with different witnesses, breaking the chain of custody.
Filiation and Estate Administration: Clarifying the Scope of DNA Evidence in Determining Heirship
The Supreme Court clarifies when DNA test results may—and may not—be used to remove a special administrator in estate proceedings.
Sibling Disputes and Court Filings: When Family Code Conciliation Rules Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when Article 151 of the Family Code requires earnest efforts before family members can sue each other.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights In Drug Possession Cases Through Strict Evidence Protocols
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused over a broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: How Courts Fix Fair Market Value
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, including the standards and interest rules.
Solicitor General's Oversight Role Key in Government Representation and Due Process
Supreme Court clarifies OSG's supervision over deputized counsel and the due process limits in government litigation.
Plunder, Bail, and Preliminary Attachment: Key Rulings from the Revilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies bail standards, conspiracy liability, and preliminary attachment in plunder cases under RA 7080.
Judge Dismissed for Illegally Occupying Public Land and Buying Property from Litigant
A judge was dismissed for squatting on government land and buying property from a party in cases he decided, violating judicial conduct rules.
Investment House Liable to Investor for Money Market Placement Default
Supreme Court holds investment house liable to investor for defaulted money market placement, clarifying lender-borrower relationship and damages.
Zero-Rated VAT on International Air Transport Services: Invoicing Rules Clarified
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies zero-rated VAT for international air transport services and invoicing requirements in CIR v. Euro-Philippines Airline Services.
Input VAT in Construction Costs and Ownership Shares in Realty Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on input VAT in construction costs and proportional ownership shares in a realty joint venture dispute.
Land Title Registration Proving Ownership AND Alienability FOR Public Land Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land title registration, ownership proof, and alienability requirements for public land claims.
Good Faith Belief in Ownership Defeats Qualified Theft Charge
Supreme Court acquits spouses of qualified theft, ruling that honest belief in ownership negates intent to steal.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Breach of Trust, Intrafamilial Rape, and the Erosion of Parental Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between statutory and simple rape when the prosecution fails to prove the victim's exact age.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge’s TRO Error Is Not Gross Ignorance of the Law
Explaining when a judge’s erroneous TRO is excusable oversight versus gross ignorance of law, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in OCA v. Alaras.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug and Firearm Cases: When Broken Chain of Custody Means Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break the chain of custody, safeguarding the constitutional right to be presumed innocent.
Investment House Liability When Financial Intermediaries Fail
When a Philippine investment house places client funds with a borrower that fails, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies liability in Abacus v. Tabujara.
Ombudsman Appeals and Procedural Rules: When Technicalities Yield to Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that procedural lapses should not defeat the merits of an administrative appeal, especially when a government employee's dismissal is at stake.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused due to unjustified gaps in the chain of custody, reaffirming the presumption of innocence.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense: Credibility in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi and denial in murder prosecutions, explained through a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Divorce Abroad and Filipino Spouses: Article 26 of the Family Code Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a divorce obtained abroad by a Filipino spouse against a foreigner is recognized under Article 26 of the Family Code.
VAT Refund Claims: Proving Zero-Rated Sales of Services with Official Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT official receipts are indispensable to substantiate zero-rated sales of services in refund claims.
Statutory Rape Conviction Modified to Simple Rape When Victim's Age Not Proven Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof required for statutory rape, modifying conviction to simple rape when victim's age wasn't established beyond reasonable doubt.