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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HRET Quorum Rules on Justices and Jurisdiction Upheld as Constitutional
The Supreme Court upholds HRET rules requiring a Justice for quorum and clarifies jurisdiction over House members' election contests.
When Investment Turns Criminal: Reassessing Estafa in Corporate Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies that failed investments and unmet expectations do not automatically constitute estafa under Philippine law.
Defective Information and Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to properly document seized items, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: When Courts Cannot Order Withdrawal
A Supreme Court ruling explains why courts cannot order release of foreign currency deposits and when co-depositor consent is required.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: Consent Requirements in Estate Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court rules on consent requirements for withdrawing from joint foreign currency deposit accounts during estate settlement.
Upholding Attorney Conduct Dismissal OF Disbarment Suit FOR Lack OF Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies when a disbarment suit fails for lack of evidence and how due process protects lawyers.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why the Drug Itself Must Be Proven
Philippine Supreme Court acquits in drug sale case over broken chain of custody. Learn the strict rules on evidence integrity under RA 9165.
When Military and Civilian Tribunals Collide: Jurisdiction in AFP Misconduct Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how concurrent jurisdiction works between the Ombudsman and military courts in administrative cases against AFP personnel.
Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Witness Presence Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Insanity Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Bacolot Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense and treachery in homicide cases, explaining what must be proven for each.
Acts of Lasciviousness vs Sexual Assault: Protecting Child Victims Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual acts against children are punished as acts of lasciviousness under RA 7610, not rape by sexual assault.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring strict chain of custody rules.
Judicial Accountability: Dismissal of Charges Absent Bad Faith or Corruption
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be held administratively liable, dismissing charges against a judge who issued a TRO without bad faith.
Sheriff Dismissed for Accepting Unofficial Payments From Litigants
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for receiving P100,000 in direct payments from litigants, ruling such conduct constitutes serious dishonesty.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Indefinite TRO and Delay in Resolving Case
SC penalizes judge for issuing an indefinite TRO and for undue delay, clarifying rules on multiple administrative offenses.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Witness Requirements in Drug Cases
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Sale Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify missing required witnesses, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Security of Tenure vs. Appointment: The Dator Case on Local Government Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on appointing municipal administrators, the condonation doctrine, and the limits of injunctive relief in Ombudsman cases.
Safeguarding Rights: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases and Fair Trials
In People v. Velasco, the Supreme Court acquitted an accused after police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during the drug inventory.
Bank Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals: Upholding Fiduciary Duty in Banking Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court holds banks liable for honoring unauthorized withdrawals, reinforcing fiduciary duty and strict compliance with depositor instructions.
When a Judge Lived in the Halls of Justice: A Lesson on Judicial Integrity
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the Halls of Justice are for court business only—not residential quarters—in this administrative case.
Estate Administration: Courts Prioritize Heirs' Best Interests Over Preferences
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate administration rules—courts may appoint administrators based on heirs' best interests, not strict preference order.
Nepotism and Misconduct Limits on Local Government Hiring Practices in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies nepotism rules, the condonation doctrine, and hiring limits for local government positions.
Certiorari as Remedy Challenging Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases
When can you file certiorari against an Ombudsman ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for complainants when the Ombudsman absolves a respondent.