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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Finality Prevails: Challenging Fishpond Lease Agreements and Res Judicata
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld finality of administrative rulings on fishpond leases, barring belated challenges via certiorari.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Independence AND Diligence IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day period for filing certiorari is counted from receipt of the denial of a motion for reconsideration.
Supreme Court Enforces Deadlines in Certiorari Petitions and Compromise Judgments
Learn how the Supreme Court enforced strict deadlines in compromise agreements and clarified rules on certiorari petitions and execution of judgments.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion in Anti-Graft Cases: Odin Security Agency v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court explains when courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause and the limits of certiorari review in graft cases.
Certiorari Under the New SEC Rules: Challenging Interlocutory Orders
The Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy for interlocutory orders under the New SEC Rules of Procedure.
Challenging Ombudsman Decisions: Certiorari and Trial Suspension in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle Ombudsman decisions, certiorari petitions, and trial suspension rules in administrative cases.
Notice to Counsel Counts for Appeal Deadlines in NLRC Cases
Supreme Court rules that receipt of NLRC resolution by counsel, not the party, starts the 60-day period for filing certiorari with the Court of Appeals.
Premature Entry of Judgment and Due Process in Bail Proceedings
The Supreme Court explains when premature entry of judgment violates due process and why certiorari cannot correct bail rulings.
Upholding Timeliness and Proper Verification in Labor Disputes: The Pfizer Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the 60-day rule for certiorari petitions and the standards for verification in labor cases.
Certiorari's Reach When Appellate Courts Overstep in Injunction Cases
Learn how certiorari limits appellate courts from issuing injunctions in labor cases, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules: Clarifying the Timeline for Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that amended procedural rules on the 60-day certiorari period apply retroactively to pending cases.
Certiorari 60-Day Period Counted From Denial of Reconsideration
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day certiorari period runs from denial of reconsideration, applying procedural rules retroactively.
Substantial Compliance Prevails: Due Process Over Procedural Lapses in Certiorari Petitions
SC rules substantial compliance with Rule 65 requirements can outweigh technical defects, protecting due process in certiorari cases.
Motion for Reconsideration Exceptions in Certiorari Petitions: The Abraham Case
When is a motion for reconsideration not required before filing certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the exceptions in Abraham v. NLRC.
Improper Venue Nullifies Court Decision: Jurisdiction Over Real Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that improper venue in real property cases can void a trial court's ruling and justify certiorari.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules: Timely Filing of Certiorari Petitions in Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court applied A.M. No. 00-2-03-SC retroactively, allowing a late certiorari petition in a labor case to proceed.
Certiorari Deadlines and the 60-Day Rule: Lessons from Pahimutang v. Court of Appeals
Understand the 60-day certiorari filing rule, proper remedies under Rule 45 vs. Rule 65, and finality of judgments in Philippine courts.
Escheat of Unclaimed Bank Deposits in the Philippines: Procedure and Due Process
Learn how Philippine escheat law works for unclaimed bank deposits, why publication is required, and why certiorari cannot replace a missed appeal.
Demurrer to Evidence in the Philippines: When Can a Criminal Case Be Dismissed for Insufficient Proof
Learn when Philippine courts grant a demurrer to evidence, the certiorari exception, and how inadmissible prosecution evidence can lead to acquittal.
Reviving Legal Claims: The Supreme Court's Curative Approach to Certiorari Filing Periods
A 2000 ruling explains how curative amendments to Rule 65 restored a fresh 60-day period for filing certiorari after a motion for reconsideration is denied.
Ombudsman's Discretion and Insufficiency of Evidence in Graft Charge Dismissals
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of graft charges for insufficiency of evidence, clarifying limits of certiorari review.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Special Civil Actions: The Abbot Ruling
When can the Sandiganbayan hear certiorari and prohibition petitions? The Supreme Court clarifies its expanded jurisdiction under RA 7975.
Partitioning Property Enforcing Court Orders AND Avoiding Delays
Learn how Philippine courts handle property partition when parties ignore orders, and why timing matters in certiorari petitions.
Appeal vs Certiorari in Philippine Courts: Why the Wrong Remedy Can Cost You Your Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains why appeal and certiorari are not interchangeable remedies, and how choosing wrong can be fatal.