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 Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Prudencio
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Rule 45 Petitions: When the Supreme Court Will Not Review Factual Findings
The Supreme Court explains why factual findings of lower courts bind it, limiting Rule 45 review to questions of law.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Frustrated Homicide From Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill separates frustrated homicide from physical injuries, and why a gunshot wound proves it.
Perfecting Appeals in Election Protests: Timely Payment of Appeal Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on appeal fees in election protests, emphasizing timely payment and the limits on damages.
Perfecting Appeals in Election Protests: Payment Deadlines and Damage Awards
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC appeal fee deadlines under Resolution 8486 and limits damages in election protests to actual or compensatory damages.
Unilateral Lease Termination and Ejectment: Mutuality of Contracts in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor may unilaterally terminate a lease and file ejectment, and the limits of summary proceedings.
Land Registration Denied for Lack of Proof of Alienable and Disposable Status
Supreme Court denies land registration because DENR certifications alone cannot prove a property is alienable and disposable public land.
When Police Slip-Ups Void Drug Convictions: The Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, and what this means for police procedure.
Perfecting Land Titles: Strict Proof Required for Government Approval and Continuous Possession
The Supreme Court denies land registration for failure to prove alienable status and continuous possession under PD 1529.
Striking a Balance When Justice Outweighs Procedural Technicalities in Criminal Appeals
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police breaches of Section 21, RA 9165 compromise the integrity of seized evidence.
Breach of Contract: Temperate Damages Awarded for Failure to Deliver Property Titles
Supreme Court awards temperate damages to buyer when developer failed to deliver deeds and titles, explaining when such damages apply.
Real Property Tax Disputes: Why Payment Under Protest Is a Mandatory First Step
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that payment under protest is mandatory before appealing real property tax assessments, even when claiming tax exemption.
When Police Lapses in Drug Cases Lead to Acquittal: The Gamboa Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
Abandonment Alone Insufficient Psychological Incapacity IN Philippine marriage LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Illegal Drug Cases: Why Chain of Custody Failures Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break chain of custody rules. Learn the requirements and practical lessons.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charges in Interconnection Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the NTC has primary jurisdiction over access charges in interconnection agreements, and why courts must defer.
Tax Assessments Invalid Notices and Taxpayer Due Process in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid tax assessment notices and taxpayer due process rights explained in plain language.
Appeal Bonds and Due Process in Labor Dismissal Cases: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective appeal bonds may be excused and how courts may rule on unassigned errors in illegal dismissal cases.
Jurisdiction Over Real Property Disputes: The Importance of Assessed Value
The Supreme Court explains why the assessed value of property in a complaint determines which court has jurisdiction over real actions.
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.
Trademark Disputes: Unfair Competition and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when civil trademark cases can suspend criminal prosecutions and how courts review prosecutorial findings on probable cause.
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.
Finality of Judgment vs Probable Cause: Balancing Justice in Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a final judgment quashing search warrants binds courts, but probable cause for prosecution may still stand.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charge Disputes: PT&T v. Smart Communications
When do courts yield to the NTC on telecom access charge disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of primary jurisdiction.