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.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus applies to child custody disputes and why courts must hold a trial, not just produce the child.
Custody Rights and the Child's Welfare: Reassessing Habeas Corpus in Family Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases aims to determine rightful custody, not just produce the child.
Accountability for Group Actions: Establishing Conspiracy in Criminal Law
Understand how Philippine courts determine conspiracy in criminal cases, when group liability attaches, and why mere presence or evasion of arrest does not equate to guilt.
Buy-Bust Operations: Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish entrapment from instigation in buy-bust operations, and why the distinction determines the validity of drug arrests.
Safeguarding Election Integrity and Due Process in COMELEC's Ballot Appreciation
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC's internal ballot appreciation requires notice and how due process applies in election contests.
Possession vs. Sale: Proving the Distinction in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies why illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs are separate crimes requiring distinct proof, acquitting on one charge.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal in Drug Cases Due to Procedural Lapses in Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Dishonesty in Handling Public Funds
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for failing to account for P256,530.25 in court fund shortages, affirming strict accountability standards.
Marine Risk Note Alone Cannot Prove Subrogation: Eastern Shipping Lines v. Prudential Guarantee
Insurers must present the marine insurance policy to prove subrogation claims; a marine risk note alone is insufficient under Philippine law.
Unreliable Identification Conviction Quashed DUE TO Flawed Witness Testimony
Explore how flawed witness testimony undermines drug convictions, examining the Supreme Court's ruling on unreliable identification.
Entrapment vs Predisposition: How Philippine Courts View Drug Buy-Bust Operations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buy-bust operation is valid entrapment rather than instigation, and how courts weigh police procedures in drug cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring the strict rule on preserving evidence integrity.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Philippine Law
When police fail to mark seized drugs immediately and prove custody, the accused may be acquitted. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the need to immediately mark seized drugs.
Guardianship and Competency: Protecting Vulnerable Individuals From Exploitation
Supreme Court ruling on guardianship for persons of weak mind, protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation by relatives.
Chain of Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when prosecution fails to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu.
Habeas Corpus and Valid Court Judgments: When the Writ Is Denied in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions are denied despite procedural leniency, emphasizing valid judgments and pending cases.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction but orders return of items seized beyond the search warrant, underscoring strict limits on police discretion.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for nine counts of statutory rape against his young daughters, clarifying evidentiary rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, and what it means for prosecutions.
DNA Evidence and Paternity: Establishing Paternity Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court first applied the DNA Rules to confirm paternity and uphold a rape conviction.
VFA Constitutionality Upheld: Balancing Sovereignty and International Agreements
The Supreme Court upheld the Visiting Forces Agreement as constitutional while striking down detention agreements that violated its terms.
Breach of Preliminary Attachment: Officials Liable for Undue Injury Under RA 3019
Supreme Court rules local officials who released retention money despite a writ of preliminary attachment face criminal liability under RA 3019.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Legality and Upholding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.