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.
Unregistered Sale vs Registered Levy: Who Wins Under Philippine Property Law
A buyer who fails to register a sale may still defeat a later levy on execution if ownership had already passed, explains a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Why Courier Filing Does Not Count: Heirs of Francisco v. Velasco
SC rules private courier filing is not a recognized mode under Rule 13; late motions for reconsideration cause finality of judgments.
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.
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.
Formal Offer of Evidence in Tax Cases: Courts Must Consider All Evidence on Record
A taxpayer's admission of transferring shares can establish tax liability even without the BIR's formal offer of evidence.
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.
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.
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.
Presumption of Regularity vs Presumption of Innocence in Drug Cases: A Safeguard for the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that procedural lapses in buy-bust operations defeat the presumption of regularity and uphold the presumption of innocence.
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.
Prior Sale Beats Inheritance: Supreme Court on Land Ownership Disputes
When a valid sale predates an inheritance claim, the buyer owns the land. The Supreme Court explains why Article 1544 on double sales does not apply.
When Delayed Medical Assessments Translate to Total Disability: Protecting Seafarers' Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company-designated physician's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment converts a seafarer's disability to total and permanent.
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.
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.
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.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with RA 9165 evidence rules.
Compromised Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect because police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: When Cancellation Is Valid Without Maceda Law
Supreme Court clarifies contract to sell rules, default judgments, and when Maceda Law does not apply to commercial property buyers.
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.
Self-Defense and the Degree of Criminal Liability: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why self-defense must be proven by clear and convincing evidence.
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.
Excise Tax and Denatured Alcohol: Clarifying Exemptions for In-Transit Losses
Supreme Court rules that denatured alcohol lost to evaporation during transit remains exempt from excise tax under the NIRC.
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.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Highpoint v. Republic
Land registration applicants must present both a CENRO certification and a certified true copy of the DENR Secretary's land classification.