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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Finality of Court Control Over Criminal Cases: SSS v. Seno on Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in SSS v. Seno on trial court discretion over motions to withdraw criminal informations and due process limits.
Understanding Jurisdictional Limits in Lease Disputes: A Guide to Security Deposits and Court Competence
The Supreme Court clarifies when lease disputes over security deposits fall under municipal trial courts versus regional trial courts.
Usurpation of Authority: Delineating Official Functions and Good Faith in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the meaning of "forthwith" in impeachment proceedings, emphasizing the Senate's discretion in preparing for trial and the limits of judicial intervention.
Constitutional Rights vs Preliminary Investigation: When Evidence Admissibility Matters
Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary investigations cannot be suspended on prejudicial question grounds, and evidence admissibility is for trial, not preliminary inquiry.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for a Fair Trial
When must drug evidence be marked and inventoried? The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule in drug cases.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to secure an elected official and follow Section 21 of RA 9165.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached the chain of custody rule, underscoring the need for strict evidence handling.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Rules Ensures Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules, protecting the accused's rights.
Annulment of Title and the Doctrine of Non-Interference in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a trial court cannot annul a co-equal court's order, applying the doctrine of judicial stability.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Protocols
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke the chain of custody, and what this means for fair trials.
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Safeguarding Evidence Integrity FOR Fair Trials
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Is Key to a Fair Trial
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the prosecution's duty to prove evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing the rule that preserves evidence integrity.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Duty to Client in Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for negligence—missing pre-trial, defective motions, and concealing case status from client.
When Can a Landlord Claim Unpaid Rent: Lessons from Booklight v. Tiu
Learn when landlords can claim unpaid rent and why tenants must present evidence at pre-trial, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police noncompliance with Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of regularity cannot replace strict compliance.
Broken Chains Safeguarding Drug Evidence AND Ensuring Fair Trials
Alias Writ of Possession: The Limits of Trial Court Authority in Appeal Dismissals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trial court may dismiss an appeal, and why orders of execution are not appealable.
Safeguarding Rights: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases and Fair Trials
In People v. Velasco, the Supreme Court acquitted an accused after police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during the drug inventory.
Amendment of Information After Plea: Balancing Due Process and Fair Trial Rights
A Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow amendments to a criminal information after the accused has pleaded, and the limits of such amendments.
Testimony After Trauma: Res Gestae and Proving Guilt in Rape Cases
When a rape victim dies before trial, can her words still convict? The Supreme Court explains the res gestae exception to hearsay.
R.A. 10951 Penalty Adjustment: How Final Theft Convictions Can Be Modified and Inmates Released
The Supreme Court clarifies how R.A. 10951 modifies penalties in final theft convictions, remanding cases to trial courts for possible early release.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Clarifying the Right to Be Heard
The Supreme Court clarifies that due process in administrative cases means a fair opportunity to be heard, not a formal trial-type hearing.
RA 10951 Penalty Adjustments Apply Even After Final Judgment: The Elbanbuena Case
The Supreme Court allows reopening final judgments to apply RA 10951's reduced penalties, remanding cases to trial courts for recomputation.