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.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: When an Acquittal Can Be Overturned
Philippine law protects against double jeopardy, but an acquittal can be voided if the State's right to due process is violated. Learn the exception.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Broken Link Leads to Acquittal
A broken chain of custody can overturn drug convictions. Learn the strict rules under RA 9165 and what the Cordova ruling means.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure in the Philippines: Why a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a general foreclosure clause is not enough—mortgagees need express authority to sell property extrajudicially.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspects: Strict Chain of Custody Still Required
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because police failed to justify why the inventory was not done at the arrest site. Learn the rule.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Job Security in the Philippines
Understand the Supreme Court's distinction between project and regular employment, and what it means for job security under Philippine labor law.
Invalid Search Warrants: Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Seizures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after ruling that a search warrant covering two offenses is void, making seized evidence inadmissible.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Counsel's Negligence Impacts an Appeal
The Supreme Court rules that a counsel's failure to file a brief on time should not cost an accused his appeal, especially when liberty is at stake.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: When Docket Fees Are Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers claiming fees from an estate need not pay separate docket fees, and when certiorari is proper.
Robbery vs. Direct Bribery: What the Remolano Case Teaches About Due Process
The Supreme Court's Remolano ruling clarifies when extortion is robbery or bribery—and why accurate criminal charges are essential to due process.
Property Transactions and Novation: Lessons from East West Banking v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank—or any party—can sue, and why choosing the wrong appeal can end a case.
Ultra Vires Acts and Contract Validity: The SSS Loan Case Explained
When government agencies exceed their powers, contracts may be void. The Supreme Court explains ultra vires acts and their impact on Philippine contracts.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Philippine Drug Possession Cases
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug possession convict when a DOJ witness was absent from the inventory—and what this means for similar cases.
Understanding the Timely Filing of Appeals: A Crucial Lesson From Philippine Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the 30-day appeal period in tax disputes, using a land dispute analogy to explain finality and jurisdiction.
Indispensable Parties in Labor Cases: Lessons from TESDA v. Abragar
Learn why impleading all indispensable parties is critical in labor disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in TESDA v. Abragar.
Supreme Court: Direct Petitions to SC Violate Hierarchy of Courts Rule
SC dismisses Palafox petition for bypassing Court of Appeals, reaffirming strict rule on hierarchy of courts in Philippine litigation.
Service of Summons and Due Process: A Philippine Property Dispute Lesson
The Supreme Court nullified a property ruling because summons was served at the wrong address, violating due process. Learn the rules.
Lease Renewal vs Extension: Supreme Court Clarifies the Critical Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between lease renewal and extension in a dispute over a government property lease.
Understanding the Crime of Using Falsified Documents in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the crime of using falsified documents, its elements, and why procedural rules matter in appeals.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Ramos
A buy-bust conviction reversed for broken chain of custody. Learn the Section 21 rules and practical compliance tips.
Acquittal in Drug Case Highlights Strict Chain of Custody and Witness Rules
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect, stressing strict compliance with chain of custody and required witnesses under RA 9165.
Compromised Chain of Custody A Blow to Drug Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when inventory lacked DOJ representative, stressing strict chain of custody compliance under RA 9165.
Jurisdictional Errors in Appeals: Barangay Officials and the Sandiganbayan
When appeals from RTC rulings on RA 3019 cases go to the wrong court, the Sandiganbayan holds exclusive appellate jurisdiction.
Reasonable Doubt When Evidence Fails to Prove Illegal Drug Transport
The Supreme Court acquits three accused of transporting shabu where prosecution failed to prove they were on board the vehicle and broke the chain of custody.
Chain of Custody Breach Acquits Drug Transport Accused: Musa v. People
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case due to a broken chain of custody and unproven transport, reinforcing strict rules.