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 in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs: Conviction Upheld in Buy-Bust Operation
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for illegal sale of shabu, explaining the elements of the crime and the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Unlawful Arrest Invalidates Firearm Possession Charge When Search Is Illegal
A traffic violation does not justify warrantless arrest or search. The Supreme Court acquits in Mendoza v. People.
When a Knife Threat After Rape Does Not Qualify the Crime: People v. Tagle
The Supreme Court clarifies when the use of a deadly weapon qualifies rape to a graver penalty, and when it does not.
Breach of Contract When Personal Notice in Foreclosure Is a Must
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale is void.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Slight Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a harmful act is attempted murder or only slight physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill.
Authority to File Suit: When a Missing SPA Defeats Court Jurisdiction
A complaint filed by an attorney-in-fact without a Special Power of Authority is invalid, depriving the court of jurisdiction over the case.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspect Over Missing Witnesses in Buy-Bust Operation
SC acquits drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during buy-bust inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Case for Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence and doubtful identification cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court raises penalty for psychological abuse committed via Facebook, ruling ICT use qualifies for one-degree higher punishment under RA 10175.
When Courts Can Bend Procedural Rules: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. Learn when extensions are allowed and the consequences of delay.
Regalian Doctrine and Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how the Regalian doctrine affects land registration in the Philippines, and why applicants must prove land is alienable and disposable.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: When Courts Cannot Order Withdrawal
A Supreme Court ruling explains why courts cannot order release of foreign currency deposits and when co-depositor consent is required.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: Consent Requirements in Estate Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court rules on consent requirements for withdrawing from joint foreign currency deposit accounts during estate settlement.
Chain of Custody Breach Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
A drug sale conviction overturned because police photographed the wrong sachet, breaking the chain of custody and compromising evidence integrity.
When Military and Civilian Tribunals Collide: Jurisdiction in AFP Misconduct Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how concurrent jurisdiction works between the Ombudsman and military courts in administrative cases against AFP personnel.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring strict chain of custody rules.
Certiorari as Remedy Challenging Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases
When can you file certiorari against an Ombudsman ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for complainants when the Ombudsman absolves a respondent.
Safeguarding Rights Chain OF Custody AND Drug Case Acquittals IN THE Philippines
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21's witness requirements during inventory.
Insurance Rescission: Proving Fraud in False Representations vs Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers can rescind for concealment versus false representations, and what evidence proves fraud.
Sheriffs Duty to Serve Notice Before Implementing Writs: Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff who enforces a writ without prior notice violates due process. Learn the rules and penalties under Rule 39.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Decides Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 preserves drug evidence integrity and sustains convictions.
Distinguishing Robbery From Theft The Necessity of Violence or Intimidation in Taking Personal Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a snatching is theft, not robbery, and what the prosecution must prove.