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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Is Required for Valid Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why strict adherence to Section 21 chain of custody rules is essential for valid drug convictions.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165, highlighting the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Bank's Failure to Release Loan Funds Nullifies Foreclosure of Mortgage
Philippine Supreme Court rules a bank's breach of a credit agreement bars foreclosure, explaining borrower's reciprocal obligation to pay only arises after full release of loan proceeds.
Upholding Buy-Bust Operations When Minor Deviations Don't Nullify Drug Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that minor deviations in buy-bust operations, like delayed marking, do not automatically invalidate drug convictions.
Mining Rights Due Process Prevails Over Automatic Abandonment in Philippine Mining Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mining claims cannot be automatically abandoned for failure to file work obligation reports; due process must first be observed.
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.
Compromised Evidence: The Vital Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody rule under RA 9165. Learn the required procedure.
When Police Skip Drug Evidence Rules: Acquittal in People v. Gajo
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects because police failed to mark seized shabu immediately, breaking the chain of custody.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Illegal Sale Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a shabu sale case, stressing that gaps in the chain of custody create reasonable doubt.
Defective Summons When Improper Service Nullifies Court Jurisdiction
When service of summons misses the persons listed in Rule 14, Section 11, the court never gains jurisdiction—even if a secretary accepts the papers.
Untimely Filing: The High Cost of Ignoring Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
A bank's appeal was dismissed because its motion for reconsideration was served by private courier without proper proof. Learn the procedural rules.
Finality of Judgments: Why Procedural Rules on Service of Motions Cannot Be Ignored
A bank's appeal was dismissed for defective service of its motion for reconsideration. The Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: Ben Line v. Madson
The Supreme Court ruled that procedural rules must yield to substantial justice when a party rectifies defects, as in Ben Line v. Madson.
Chain of Custody Breaks: When Drug Evidence Fails in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police broke the chain of custody rule under RA 9165, Section 21.
Doctrine of Condonation: When Re-Election Erases Past Misconduct
The Supreme Court explains when re-election can erase past administrative misconduct, and when it cannot.
Revival of Judgment: Equity Prevails Over Strict Time Limits in Execution
Supreme Court rules equity can revive stale judgments when delay is caused by the losing party's dilatory tactics.
Counterclaims in Libel Cases: Compulsory vs Permissive Claims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when counterclaims in libel suits are compulsory or permissive, and the procedural requirements that follow.
When Evidence Is Tainted: Marking Seized Drugs and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to mark seized drugs immediately can break the chain of custody and lead to acquittal.
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.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Lim Ching
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165, safeguarding the accused's right to proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under RA 9165, stressing evidence integrity.
Warrantless Arrests and Drug Evidence: When a Tiny Sachet Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a man of drug possession, stressing strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 for minuscule amounts of shabu.
Enforcing Arbitration Agreements: How Philippine Courts Handle Multi-Party Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts must refer arbitration-bound parties to arbitration even when other parties in the same case are not covered.
Safeguarding Rights Chain of Custody in Drug Cases and the Presumption of Innocence
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict, ruling that police lapses in chain of custody defeat the presumption of regularity.