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 Strict Compliance Protects the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the mandatory safeguards under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Why Chain of Custody Matters in Drug Cases: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Amendment of Information After Plea: Balancing Due Process and Fair Trial Rights
A Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow amendments to a criminal information after the accused has pleaded, and the limits of such amendments.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Accountability in Government Procurement
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for Ombudsman rulings in criminal vs. administrative cases, and affirms accountability in government procurement.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Homeowners Rights vs Church Construction: Open Space Donation Validity
Supreme Court rules on open space donations in subdivisions, homeowners association rights, and church construction in Casa Milan case.
Election Contests and the 15-Day Rule: Eizmendi v. Fernandez on Corporate Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that indirect attacks on corporate elections violate the 15-day reglementary period for election contests under the Interim Rules.
Foreclosure Voided: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Supreme Court voids foreclosure sale for lack of republication and reposting of rescheduled sale notice, affirming mandatory rules under Act No. 3135.
Tax Declarations as Evidence of Ownership: Protecting Possessory Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax declarations, while not conclusive, are strong evidence of possession in the concept of owner when coupled with continuous possession.
Trust Receipt Breach: When Failure to Deliver Constitutes Estafa in the Philippines
Explore when failure to deliver under a trust receipt agreement constitutes estafa, based on a 2018 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Reinstating Attorney's Fees in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Horlador Ruling
The Supreme Court reinstates 10% attorney's fees for seafarers who win permanent total disability claims, reinforcing protective labor policy.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.
Moral Ascendancy and the Shadow of Doubt: Familial Rape in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court weighed circumstantial evidence, moral ascendancy, and delayed reporting in a father's qualified rape conviction.
Real Property Tax: Who Pays When Ownership and Possession Differ
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies real property tax liability when the registered owner is not in possession, citing Herarc Realty v. Provincial Treasurer of Batangas.
Treachery Unveiled: When Sudden Attack Does Not Mean Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attack alone does not prove treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Estafa Under Trust Receipt Agreements: The Osental Case and PD 115
Failure to comply with a trust receipt agreement can lead to estafa charges. Learn the rules from the Osental case.
Limits on Allowances When Public Funds Demand Strict Interpretation
The Supreme Court upheld COA's disallowance of PhilHealth board allowances, ruling that public funds demand strict interpretation of what the law allows.
Dismissal Due to Faulty Drug Evidence Handling: Integrity of Evidence in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused because police failed to justify non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rule.
Broken Chains: Why Lapses in Drug Evidence Custody Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when police fail to account for missing witnesses and photos in chain of custody.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Integrity
A drug conviction overturned because police failed to follow chain of custody rules. Learn the strict requirements and practical lessons.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Drug Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to police lapses in the chain of custody, reinforcing the protection of individual rights.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Marking at Nearest Office Is Sufficient for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that marking seized drugs at the nearest police station or office of the apprehending team satisfies the chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Quilang Means for Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court explains when marking seized drugs at the police station, not at the arrest site, still satisfies the chain of custody rule.