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.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Cases
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Safeguarding Rights: Chain of Custody and the Integrity of Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that a warrantless arrest and seizure of a plastic sachet violated constitutional rights.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Sale Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects where police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Safeguards in Evidence Handling Matter
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite police lapses, but warns that procedural shortcuts can undermine the integrity of seized evidence.
When GSIS Rules Fail: The Publication Requirement and the Limits of Agency Power
The Supreme Court nullified GSIS PPG No. 171-03 for lack of publication, reaffirming that legislative rules need notice and effectivity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Gaps in Evidence Handling Can Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict chain of custody requirements in drug cases, acquitting accused due to unaccounted gaps in evidence handling.
Navigating the Chain: Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when marking drugs at the police station instead of the arrest site still satisfies the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
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.
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.
Securities Fraud and Filing Fees: What Empire Insurance Teaches About Investor Protection
Supreme Court clarifies filing fee computation for securities fraud actions and affirms preliminary injunction to protect investor-creditors' rights.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Every Link Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody. Learn the four links and what must be proven.
Protecting Marital Property When A Forged Signature Undermines Ownership Rights
A forged signature on a special power of attorney cannot defeat a wife's conjugal property rights, as the Supreme Court ruled in Malabanan v. Malabanan.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to observe chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165.
Disbarment for Dishonesty When Lawyers Fabricate Court Decisions
Fabricating a court decision to defraud clients leads to disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why.
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.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, highlighting strict requirements.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Elevate Homicide to Murder
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using a 2019 stabbing case to illustrate sudden, unexpected attacks.
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.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
Valid Service and Due Process: The Duty to Notify SSS of an Address Change
When a party fails to notify the SSS of a change of address, service of notices at the old address remains valid and binding.
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.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
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.
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.