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.
Authority to File Suit: When a Missing SPA Defeats Court Jurisdiction
A complaint filed by an attorney-in-fact without a Special Power of Authority is invalid, depriving the court of jurisdiction over the case.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Individual Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules, protecting the accused's rights.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Highpoint v. Republic
Land registration applicants must present both a CENRO certification and a certified true copy of the DENR Secretary's land classification.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspect Over Missing Witnesses in Buy-Bust Operation
SC acquits drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during buy-bust inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
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.
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.
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.
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 Chain OF Custody AND Drug Case Acquittals IN THE Philippines
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21's witness requirements during inventory.
Exclusionary Rule and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Primer
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case for the prosecution's failure to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the chain of custody rule.
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Valid Warrantless Arrest and Seizure in Illegal Drug Transportation
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for transporting marijuana, clarifying valid warrantless arrests, Section 21 compliance, and the chain of custody rule.
Constructive Dismissal: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Not Voluntary at All
The Supreme Court clarifies when a signed resignation letter is actually constructive dismissal, protecting employees from forced resignations disguised as voluntary acts.
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.
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.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
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: Strict Compliance or Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the chain of custody rule.
Failure to Comply with Drug Evidence Safeguards: Ramos v. People and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling shows why strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is vital in drug cases.
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.
Revival of Judgment Prescription and Compliance in Banking Disputes
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on the 10-year prescription period for reviving judgments, applied to a banking dispute.
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.
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.
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.
Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Illegal Drug Sale Case
A broken chain of custody and lapses under Section 21 of RA 9165 led the Supreme Court to acquit an accused in an illegal drug sale case.