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.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplining Court Employees FOR Actions Reflecting ON THE Judiciarys Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a vice-mayor for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: Third-Party Claims in Philippine Mortgage Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writ of possession in mortgage foreclosures, explaining when third-party adverse claims can block eviction.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate in a drug possession case, stressing the mandatory witness requirements in the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted two accused in a drug case after police broke the chain of custody rule. Learn the safeguards.
Disbarment for Dishonesty When Lawyers Fabricate Court Decisions
Fabricating a court decision to defraud clients leads to disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why.
Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs: Conviction Upheld in Buy-Bust Operation
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for illegal sale of shabu, explaining the elements of the crime and the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
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.
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.
Oral Sales Agreements Transfer Property and the Limits of Rescission
When does an oral deal to sell land transfer ownership? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between a sale and a contract to sell, and when rescission is allowed.
Quasi-Delict Claims Need No Reservation: Supreme Transport Ruling Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that quasi-delict counterclaims may proceed without reservation in criminal cases, subject only to the ban on double recovery.
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.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Accion Publiciana: Key Distinctions in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Learn the key differences between unlawful detainer and accion publiciana, and why filing the wrong action can get your case dismissed.
Late Evidence and the Judicial Affidavit Rule: Lara's Gift v. PNB General Insurers
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit late evidence and supplemental judicial affidavits under the Judicial Affidavit Rule.
Voluntary Appearance and Proper Service of Summons in Philippine Courts
Learn when a defendant's voluntary appearance cures defective summons and why improper service alone does not warrant dismissal.
Right of Way vs Just Compensation: Property Disputes in Infrastructure Projects
When government projects use private land, a pre-existing right of way can bar compensation claims. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Proving Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what it takes to prove self-defense and defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
Baguio Land Titles Validation Denied for Expanded Areas Despite Prior Resurvey Approval
Supreme Court rules resurvey approval doesn't validate expanded Baguio land titles under PD 1271, requiring strict compliance.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule may be excused in drug cases, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Affidavit of Desistance in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Scrutiny and Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite affidavit of desistance, ruling recanted affidavits are unreliable and victim testimony credible.
Emancipation Patents Under Voluntary Land Transfer: The Marinas Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when emancipation patents are valid under PD 27's Voluntary Land Transfer scheme, including co-owner consent and payment timing.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from People v. Eda
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the elements of illegal sale and possession and the rules on chain of custody under RA 9165.
Ensuring Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in Section 21 drug evidence rules and why preserving the chain of custody remains decisive in drug cases.
Balancing Corporate Development and Residents' Rights: Defining Cause of Action in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when evicted residents have a cause of action for damages against corporate developers in land disputes.
Demolition and Due Process: Balancing Property Rights and Public Projects in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when demolitions may proceed without a court order under RA 7279, using the BCDA JUSMAG case.