法律洞察

Abandonment Alone Insufficient Psychological Incapacity IN Philippine marriage LAW

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.

Challenging Drug Convictions: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Illegal Drug Cases

A buy-bust conviction reversed because police failed to prove the chain of custody of seized shabu. Learn the rules.

Striking a Balance When Justice Outweighs Procedural Technicalities in Criminal Appeals

The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police breaches of Section 21, RA 9165 compromise the integrity of seized evidence.

Illegal Drug Cases: Why Chain of Custody Failures Lead to Acquittal

The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break chain of custody rules. Learn the requirements and practical lessons.

Perfecting Land Titles: Strict Proof Required for Government Approval and Continuous Possession

The Supreme Court denies land registration for failure to prove alienable status and continuous possession under PD 1529.

Real Property Tax Disputes: Why Payment Under Protest Is a Mandatory First Step

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that payment under protest is mandatory before appealing real property tax assessments, even when claiming tax exemption.

Unilateral Lease Termination and Ejectment: Mutuality of Contracts in Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor may unilaterally terminate a lease and file ejectment, and the limits of summary proceedings.

Land Registration Denied for Lack of Proof of Alienable and Disposable Status

Supreme Court denies land registration because DENR certifications alone cannot prove a property is alienable and disposable public land.

Due Process in Government Action: The City Advertising Ventures Case on Billboards and Signages

When government dismantles advertising signages, it must follow its own rules and respect due process, as this case shows.

Trademark Disputes: Unfair Competition and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court clarifies when civil trademark cases can suspend criminal prosecutions and how courts review prosecutorial findings on probable cause.

When Are Corporate Directors Liable for Illegal LPG Trading Under BP 33?

Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors may be prosecuted for illegal LPG trading and underfilling under BP 33, as amended.

NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charge Disputes: PT&T v. Smart Communications

When do courts yield to the NTC on telecom access charge disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of primary jurisdiction.

Affidavit of Desistance in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Scrutiny and Victim Credibility

Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite affidavit of desistance, ruling recanted affidavits are unreliable and victim testimony credible.

Finality of Judgment vs Probable Cause: Balancing Justice in Trademark Infringement Cases

The Supreme Court clarifies that a final judgment quashing search warrants binds courts, but probable cause for prosecution may still stand.

Lawyers Suspended for Neglect, Harassment of Client Over Fees

SC suspends two lawyers for failing to file a client's case and for filing estafa and deportation cases to collect fees.

Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence

The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule may be excused in drug cases, and why objections must be raised at trial.

Appeal Bonds and Due Process in Labor Dismissal Cases: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court clarifies when defective appeal bonds may be excused and how courts may rule on unassigned errors in illegal dismissal cases.

Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended FOR Neglect AND Unethical FEE Demands

Tax Assessments Invalid Notices and Taxpayer Due Process in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid tax assessment notices and taxpayer due process rights explained in plain language.

Guilt by Association: Analyzing Conspiracy in Drug Trafficking Cases

The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes a co-principal in drug trafficking through conspiracy, and the limits of questioning evidence on appeal.

NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charges in Interconnection Agreements

Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the NTC has primary jurisdiction over access charges in interconnection agreements, and why courts must defer.

Jurisdiction Over Real Property Disputes: The Importance of Assessed Value

The Supreme Court explains why the assessed value of property in a complaint determines which court has jurisdiction over real actions.

Real Actions and Jurisdiction: Why Assessed Value Determines the Correct Philippine Court

In real actions, the property's assessed value determines which court has jurisdiction. Omitting it can doom the case.

Marcos Burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani: When Presidential Discretion Meets Legal Limits

The Supreme Court upheld President Duterte's decision to bury Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, ruling the act was a political question within executive discretion.