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 Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in Section 21 compliance, reaffirming the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Impleading Indispensable Parties in Damages Claims: The PNCC v. Superlines Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must implead indispensable parties in damages claims, applying the law of the case doctrine.
SALN Violations and Government Ethics: Dishonesty vs Simple Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies when SALN omissions amount to dishonesty or mere simple negligence in San Diego v. Fact-Finding Investigation Committee.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow chain of custody rules under RA 9165, explaining why strict compliance matters.
Misrepresenting MCLE Compliance: Supreme Court Suspends Lawyer for Three Years
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for three years for falsely claiming MCLE exemptions in court pleadings, reinforcing ethical duties.
GSIS Policy Invalidity: Publication Requirement for Rules Affecting Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court ruled GSIS issuances affecting retirement benefits must be published to be valid, affirming retiree's right to original appointment computation.
Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences FOR Incomplete AND Improperly Executed Documents
A notary public who notarized deeds with missing signatures and absent parties faces suspension and commission revocation, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how procedural lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs led to an acquittal in a Philippine drug case.
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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Every Link Matters After People v. Tumangong
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police broke chain of custody rules. Learn the four links and why compliance is critical.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Individual Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules, protecting the accused's rights.
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.
Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Witness Presence Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
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 Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Work-Related Injury: Defining Course of Employment in Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, work-related illness presumption, and employer duties under POEA-SEC.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused due to unjustified gaps in the chain of custody, reaffirming the presumption of innocence.
Immediate Execution of Ombudsman Decisions: Protecting Public Service Integrity
Learn why Ombudsman dismissal orders take effect immediately despite pending motions for reconsideration, and what this means for public officers.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause: Balancing Employer Rights and Due Process in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when employers still owe employees procedural due process.
Sheriff Duties and Neglect in Attachment Cases: Protecting Your Property Rights
Learn how sheriffs must handle attached properties, their inventory duties, and what happens when they neglect these responsibilities.
Electricity Disconnection: Utility's Duty to Inspect and Provide Notice
When can a distribution utility disconnect electric service? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to inspect meters and give proper notice.
Denial of Child Support as Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Key Lessons from Melgar v. People
The Supreme Court rules that withholding child support is economic abuse under RA 9262, even without proof of psychological anguish.
Notarial Duty and Administrative Liability: Upholding Integrity in Court Services
A branch clerk of court was suspended for notarizing documents without following the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice. Learn the rules and risks.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Is Required for Valid Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why strict adherence to Section 21 chain of custody rules is essential for valid drug convictions.