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.
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Untimely Appeal: The Perils of Procedural Lapses in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how missing the 60-day appeal period in labor cases can cost a party the case entirely.
Perfecting Appeals in Special Proceedings: Why the Record on Appeal Matters
In special proceedings like estate settlement, failing to file a record on appeal is fatal. Learn the rules and avoid losing your appeal.
Dismissal of Appeals for Incomplete Documentation: What Celestial v. People Teaches Litigants
Learn how failure to file an appellant's brief can end an appeal, and what the Supreme Court said about counsel's negligence in Celestial v. People.
Final and Executory Labor Decisions Cannot Be Reopened on Grounds of Counsel Negligence
Supreme Court rules final labor arbiter decisions stand despite counsel negligence, explaining appeal bond rules and finality of judgments.
Conditional Satisfaction of Judgment and the Mootness Doctrine in Labor Disputes
When does paying a labor award end the case? The Supreme Court clarifies when a conditional settlement does not make an appeal moot.
Reconveyance vs Annulment of Judgment: Lessons from Toledo v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is a reconveyance action, not an annulment of judgment, and the rights of buyers in possession.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Limits of Personal Liability for Corporate Acts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Perfecting Appeals and the Strict Rules on Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles
The Supreme Court reminds courts that petitions for judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demand strict compliance with RA 26.
Losing Appeal Rights: Justifiable Cause and Timely Surrender After Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a convicted accused loses appeal rights by missing promulgation without justifiable cause.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Compliance With Bond Requirements in Labor Disputes
Learn why the Supreme Court requires strict compliance with appeal bond requirements in labor cases, and how failing to post a proper surety bond can make a judgment final and executory.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Appeal: Lessons from Nuque v. Aquino
The Supreme Court reiterates that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and a motion for reconsideration is generally required before filing one.
Appeal Bonds and the 60-Day Certiorari Rule: When Substantial Justice Cannot Save a Late Petition
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day period for filing a petition for certiorari is jurisdictional and cannot be extended for mere lawyer workload.
Lawyer's Neglect of Appeal Brief: When Courts Dismiss Disbarment Cases
A lawyer who lets an appeal lapse violates the Code of Professional Responsibility, but death of the respondent can end the case.
Negligence in Appeals: When a Lawyer's Delay Can Cost You Your Case
A party who sleeps on its rights cannot blame counsel for an abandoned appeal. Learn the finality rule.
Navigating Appeals Jurisdiction of the Court of Tax Appeals in Collection Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the CTA has exclusive appellate jurisdiction over tax collection cases, and wrong appeals must be dismissed.
Liberal Interpretation of Appeal Rules in Administrative Cases: The Neypes Fresh Period Rule Limitation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Neypes fresh period rule applies only to judicial appeals, not administrative appeals like those before the Office of the President.
Perfecting Appeals: The Strict Requirements for Employers in Labor Disputes
Employers must strictly comply with appeal bond and deadline rules under Article 223 of the Labor Code or risk losing their appeal entirely.
Reinstatement During Appeal: Employer Must Pay Wages Until Final Reversal
Employers must pay reinstatement wages during appeal until the NLRC reversal becomes final. Learn the rule from Smart Communications v. Solidum.
When Dismissing an Appeal for Missing a Memorandum Is Wrong: Sanico v. People
The Supreme Court ruled that a trial court cannot dismiss a criminal appeal solely for failure to file a memorandum, as this violates due process.
How Appeals Affect Preliminary Attachments: Jurisdiction and Ancillary Remedies
When a main case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction over the attachment. Learn the rule from Northern Islands v. Garcia.
Judicial Accountability: When Is a Collegiate Court Justice Liable for Undue Delay?
The Supreme Court acquitted three Court of Appeals justices of undue delay, clarifying that liability follows the division that actually decides a case, not the one that inherited it.
Satisfaction of Judgment and the Right to Appeal: Navigating Mootness in Philippine Labor Law
When paying a labor award does not end the case: the Supreme Court clarifies the mootness doctrine in seafarer disability disputes.
Untimely Appeal: The Finality of HLURB Decisions and Strict Appeal Periods
A Supreme Court ruling underscores that HLURB decisions become final if appeals to the Office of the President are filed late, even by a few days.
Indigency and Access to Courts: Balancing Constitutional Rights with Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds clients and why procedural rules on appeals remain jurisdictional.