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 Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody and Section 21 non-compliance, underscoring strict evidentiary rules.
Simple Rape Conviction: Credibility of Victim’s Testimony and Burden of Proof
A look at how Philippine courts weigh a rape victim’s testimony, credibility, and the prosecution’s burden of proof in simple rape cases.
Chain of Custody: Why Drug Evidence Integrity Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody under Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Chain of Custody Breakdown When Drug Evidence Fails the Test
When police skip required witnesses in drug busts, the evidence fails—and the accused walks free. A look at People v. Balderrama.
Co-Ownership Disputes: How Inheritance and Sales Affect Land Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when administrative orders on land disputes become final and how co-ownership, inheritance, and sales affect property rights.
Forcible Abduction and Rape in the Philippines: Insights from People v. Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court treats forcible abduction with rape, victim credibility, and penalties under Philippine law.
Judicial Review of Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Hasty Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan's power to dismiss criminal cases when evidence fails to establish probable cause against accused public officials.
Substantial Evidence Standard in Disbarment Cases: Buntag v. Atty. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence standard in disbarment cases and reminds lawyers to put fee agreements in writing.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights and Due Process in Anti-Graft Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when the speedy disposition clock starts in Ombudsman cases, distinguishing fact-finding from preliminary investigation.
When Finality Isn't Enough: Re-Evaluating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries After a Concluded Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when DAR may re-open beneficiary identification despite a final ruling, and why that isn't contempt.
Compromise Agreements Ensuring Mutuality AND Enforceability IN Debt Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in debt settlement, highlighting mutual concessions and clear terms for enforceability.
Diversion of Tobacco Funds: Technical Malversation vs. Corruption Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when misusing public funds is technical malversation, not corruption, in Villarosa v. Ombudsman.
Condonation Doctrine Applies Even When Official Succeeds to Different Post
Supreme Court clarifies condonation doctrine applies when same electorate re-elects official to a different position, condoning prior misconduct.
Pre-Approved Credit Cards: Consent to Terms Must Be Proven
Banks must prove cardholders consented to credit card terms. Without proof, only legal interest applies.
VAT Refund Timelines: Strict 120+30 Day Rule Under the Tax Code
Philippine Supreme Court affirms strict 120+30 day VAT refund appeal deadlines; late judicial claims are jurisdictionally fatal.
Intact Hymen Does NOT Preclude Rape Conviction: People v. Bay-od
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite intact hymen, clarifying that carnal knowledge does not require hymen rupture or full penetration.
Intact Hymen Does Not Negate Statutory Rape: SC Upholds Child Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child's credible testimony can prove statutory rape even when medical findings show an intact hymen.
Child Abuse Intent Not Always Required Under Special Protection Laws
Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase a child is not always required for conviction under RA 7610's child abuse provisions.
Unlawful Detainer The Jurisdictional Tightrope of Ejectment Cases in the Philippines
Understand the jurisdictional rules in unlawful detainer cases and why getting the wrong court can cost you your case.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Witness Presence in Drug Cases
Explore why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to missing required witnesses during inventory, highlighting crucial procedural safeguards.
Chain of Custody Rule Is Substantive Law, Not a Technicality: People v. Fuentes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the chain of custody rule in drug cases is substantive law, and acquits accused for unjustified deviations.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Anti-Drug Operations
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke chain of custody rules, reaffirming that procedural lapses can compromise evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Firearm Cases: When Delayed Marking Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a firearm possession accused over unjustified delayed marking, clarifying chain of custody rules under RA 10591.