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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Challenging Drug Evidence: Strict Compliance for Miniscule Amounts
When only a tiny amount of drugs is seized, courts demand strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165. A conviction was overturned for marking lapses.
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.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Adherence to Chain of Custody Rules
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rule.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for criminal prosecutions.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Security Guards' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard who abandons his post may be validly dismissed versus illegally terminated.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody Rule Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police failed to strictly comply with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Breach of Contract: When Concealing Pre-Existing Illness Negates Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarers' disability benefits, fraudulent misrepresentation, and pre-existing conditions under the POEA-SEC.
Chain of Custody Lapses in Drug Cases: When Police Non-Compliance Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify non-compliance with Section 21, R.A. 9165's chain of custody rules.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why a Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove every link in the chain of custody, reaffirming strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Drug Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution fails to prove every link in the chain of custody, stressing strict Section 21 compliance.
Supreme Court Upholds Judicial Power Over Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court strikes down Section 23 of RA 9165 as unconstitutional, affirming exclusive judicial authority over plea bargaining rules.
Company-Designated Physician's Fitness Declaration Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims
Supreme Court rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment binds seafarer unless properly disputed under POEA-SEC procedure.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Proving Work-Relatedness and Compensability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between work-relatedness and compensability in seafarers' disability claims under the 2000 POEA-SEC.
Epira AND Psalm Defining Ownership AND Authority IN Power Sector Assets
PD 242 and Intra-Government Tax Disputes: Who Decides When BIR Faces Another Agency?
Supreme Court clarifies that PD 242 governs disputes solely between government entities, giving the DOJ Secretary jurisdiction over BIR-PSALM VAT cases.
Tax Sale Deposit Rule: When Section 267 of the Local Government Code Does Not Apply
Supreme Court clarifies when the Section 267 deposit requirement for tax sale challenges does not apply, remanding Beaumont case for trial.
Proving Land Ownership: Registration, Possession, and Government Approval
The Supreme Court clarifies what it takes to register public land: proof of possession since 1945 and DENR Secretary-approved classification.
Malicious Prosecution: Proving Malice and Bad Faith in Filing Administrative Complaints
Filing an administrative complaint is not automatically malicious prosecution. Learn what Philippine courts require to prove malice and bad faith.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Duty vs. Security Guard's Claim
Who bears the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on voluntary resignation vs. constructive dismissal.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, underscoring that strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital to preserve evidence integrity.
When Police Power Becomes Criminal Extortion As Kidnapping FOR Ransom
A police officer who kidnaps and extorts ransom acts in a private capacity and may be prosecuted for kidnapping under Article 267, even if the victim was later arrested for drugs.
Union Expulsion vs Dismissal: When a Union Security Clause Cannot Justify Termination
Supreme Court rules union officers cannot be expelled and dismissed based on grounds for impeachment under the union constitution.
Bail and Res Judicata: Why an Interlocutory Order Does Not Bar a Second Bail Petition
The Supreme Court clarifies that res judicata does not apply to interlocutory orders like bail denials in criminal cases.
Upholding Agrarian Reform Security of Tenure Prevails Despite Land Reclassification
Supreme Court rules tenants' rights survive land reclassification, affirming DARAB jurisdiction over agrarian disputes despite zoning changes.