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.
Sugar Restitution Absence of Funds and Government's Obligation to Sugar Producers
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on sugar restitution when funds are absent, and the government's duty to sugar producers under Philippine law.
Priority of Title: Resolving Conflicting Land Ownership Claims in the Philippines
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. The Supreme Court explains the rule in Aquino v. Estate of Aguirre.
Unlawful Detainer The Jurisdictional Tightrope of Ejectment Cases in the Philippines
Understand the jurisdictional rules in unlawful detainer cases and why getting the wrong court can cost you your case.
Unlawful Detainer: The Imperative of Alleging Tolerance in Ejectment Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerance must be alleged in unlawful detainer cases to establish jurisdiction.
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.
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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Breach of Contract When Personal Notice in Foreclosure Is a Must
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale is void.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: When Cancellation Is Valid Without Maceda Law
Supreme Court clarifies contract to sell rules, default judgments, and when Maceda Law does not apply to commercial property buyers.
Excise Tax and Denatured Alcohol: Clarifying Exemptions for In-Transit Losses
Supreme Court rules that denatured alcohol lost to evaporation during transit remains exempt from excise tax under the NIRC.
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.
Regalian Doctrine and Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how the Regalian doctrine affects land registration in the Philippines, and why applicants must prove land is alienable and disposable.
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.
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.
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.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Based on Improbable Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a rape victim's testimony is too general to convict, and when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction.
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.
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.
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.
AWOL and Dropping from the Rolls: Employee Rights Under Philippine Law
Learn the rules on AWOL in the Philippine civil service, including the 30-day rule, non-disciplinary separation, and employee rights.