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.
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.
Valid Service of Summons in Foreign Judgment Recognition: Key Lessons from Express Padala v. Ocampo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid substituted service of summons in foreign judgment recognition, and its due process implications.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Discretion AND Duty IN Search Warrant Issuance
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability clarifies the balance between judicial discretion in search warrants and accountability for neglect.
Striking a Balance: Upholding Agrarian Justice Without Sacrificing Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that minor procedural lapses should not defeat the right to appeal, especially in agrarian cases involving social justice.
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.
Weighing Medical Opinions: Company Doctors vs Private Physicians in Seafarer Disability Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's findings prevail over a private doctor's assessment in seafarer disability claims.
Chain of Custody and the Integrity of Drug Evidence: Safeguarding Against Tampering
When only a miniscule amount of drugs is seized, strict chain of custody compliance is required. The Supreme Court explains why.
Hierarchy of Courts and Locus Standi When Constitutional Issues Override Procedural Rules
Explaining when the Supreme Court allows direct petitions despite the hierarchy of courts and relaxed standing rules in constitutional cases.
Compromised Chain of Custody Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
When police break the chain of custody in drug cases, the Supreme Court will acquit. Learn the rules from People v. Ceralde.
Sheriff's Duty to Properly Handle and Liquidate Funds in Court-Ordered Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must deposit execution expenses with the Clerk of Court, not receive direct payments.
Seafarer Disability Claims and the 240-Day Rule: What the Supreme Court Says
Learn how the 240-day rule and medical assessments shape seafarer disability claims under Philippine law.
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.
Tax Assessment Waivers Must Strictly Comply With BIR Rules or Prescription Applies
Learn how defective tax waivers fail to extend the BIR's three-year assessment period, from the Supreme Court's ruling in CIR v. Systems Technology Institute.
Upholding Local Authority When Business Permits AND Public Welfare Collide
Supreme Court ruling on when local governments may validly withhold permits and shut down businesses for sanitation violations.
Surrender of Owner's Duplicate Title: Buyers Cannot Withhold It Indefinitely
Buyers who hold an owner's duplicate title after a partial sale must register promptly; co-owners can compel surrender if registration is unreasonably delayed.
Procedural Due Process in Administrative Cases: When a Show Cause Memorandum Suffices
The Supreme Court clarifies when a show cause memorandum satisfies procedural due process in administrative disciplinary proceedings against government employees.
Chain of Custody in Drug Sale Cases: Lessons from Belmonte v. People
The Supreme Court upholds a drug sale conviction, clarifying that minor deviations from Section 21's chain of custody rules are not fatal when integrity is preserved.