Legal Insights

Challenging Drug Possession Convictions Ensuring Constitutional Rights During Search AND Seizure

Shared Residence Shared Responsibility Understanding Constructive Possession in Drug Cases

Learn how Philippine courts determine constructive possession of illegal drugs when multiple people share a residence, and the legal standards involved.

Actual Occupancy vs Possession in SSS Housing: Contract Terms Govern

Supreme Court clarifies that "actual occupancy" differs from "possession" in SSS housing contracts, allowing rescission for breach.

Smuggling and the Presumption of Guilt: Possession and Tax Obligations in Philippine Law

When does possession of untaxed goods create a presumption of smuggling under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains in Rieta v. People.

DUE Process AND Foreclosure Upholding Ministerial Duty IN Writ OF Possession

Trust Receipts Entrusters Right TO Deficiency Claim After Repossession AND Sale

Writ of Possession Not Barred by Pending Annulment of Foreclosure Case

A pending annulment of foreclosure case does not stop a bank from getting a writ of possession after the redemption period lapses.

Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines

Philippine property disputes often pit Torrens title holders against prior possessors. Learn how courts resolve these conflicts under law.

Police Accountability Conspiracy IN Drug Sales Despite Lack OF Direct Possession

Prescription and Co-Ownership: When Long Possession Extinguishes Partition Rights

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a co-owner's long, exclusive possession can extinguish the right to demand partition through prescription.

Land Registration and Imperfect Titles: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945

The Supreme Court clarifies the strict possession standard for judicial confirmation of imperfect titles under the Public Land Act.

Squatters' Rights: Prior Possession Prevails in Ejectment Cases

Philippine Supreme Court rules that prior physical possession, not ownership, determines ejectment cases even between squatters on public land.

Possession vs Dominion: Defining Illegal Drug Possession in the Philippines

The Supreme Court clarifies actual vs constructive possession of illegal drugs, and when spouses sharing a home may both be liable.

Grave Misconduct in the Judiciary: When a Clerk's Acts Betray Public Trust

A court clerk's unexplained possession of pre-signed bail bonds and removal of court records leads to dismissal for grave misconduct.

Dismissal for Grave Misconduct: Court Clerk's Unauthorized Handling of Court Documents

Court personnel must uphold integrity. A clerk's unauthorized removal of court records and possession of pre-signed bail bonds led to dismissal for grave misconduct.

Possession After Foreclosure: Why the Buyer Wins the Writ of Possession

Buyers in extrajudicial foreclosure sales are entitled to possession of the property. The Supreme Court explains why in Samson v. Rivera.

Possession and Due Process: Protecting Third-Party Rights in Foreclosure Proceedings

Supreme Court rules an ex-parte writ of possession cannot eject third-party possessors not in privity with the mortgagor.

Confirming Land Titles: Possession Isnt Always Ownership

A Supreme Court ruling on search warrants clarifies that holding a Torrens title does not automatically mean ownership, and explains the limits of seizure.

Disproving Co-Ownership Claims: The Importance of Title and Evidence in Property Disputes

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration: why bare claims of possession without solid evidence fail.

Challenging Illegal Drug Possession: The Need for Valid Search Warrants and Proof of Ownership

Why a defective search warrant and weak proof of ownership led to an acquittal in a Philippine drug possession case.

Possession, Donation, and Ejectment: What the Sevilla Florencio Ruling Teaches

A Supreme Court ejectment ruling shows why an unregistered deed of donation cannot defeat the registered owner's heirs and how possession cases are decided.

Torrens Title vs Unregistered Deeds: Resolving Land Possession Disputes

In Co v. Militar, the Supreme Court ruled that a Torrens title prevails over unregistered deeds of sale in an ejectment case, and that title can only be cancelled directly.

Forcible Entry Survey Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases: What the Supreme Court Says

Learn how Philippine courts resolve unlawful detainer cases, why Torrens titles prevail, and what summary procedure means for possession disputes.

Unlawful Detainer: Tolerance Creates No Right to Stay After Demand to Vacate

Supreme Court clarifies that possession by mere tolerance in unlawful detainer cases does not require prior physical possession by the owner.