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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Dismissal of Case for Absence at Pre-Trial: When It's Not Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a plaintiff's absence at pre-trial does not justify dismissal of the case for failure to prosecute.
Right to Present Evidence Ensures Fair Trial Despite Counsel's Absence
Supreme Court rules that a client's right to present evidence cannot be sacrificed due to counsel's absence, ensuring fair trial.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Justify New Trial in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives an accused of due process, courts may reopen the case for a fair trial.
Judicial Courtesy vs Expediency: When Court Deference Delays Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may suspend proceedings out of judicial courtesy and when they must press on with trial.
Attorney Negligence: Failing to File a Pre-Trial Brief in the Philippines
When a lawyer's failure to file a pre-trial brief leads to case dismissal, the Supreme Court may impose disciplinary sanctions. Learn the rules.
Judicial Efficiency: A Judge's Duty to Expedite Case Resolution and Avoid Undue Delay
The Supreme Court reminds judges of their duty to expedite proceedings, ruling that prolonged arraignment delays violate the constitutional right to speedy trial.
Arraignment Delays and Your Right to Speedy Trial in the Philippines
When repeated postponements of arraignment violate the constitutional right to speedy trial, dismissal of the case and release may be warranted.
Philippine Business Closure: Legally Navigating Employee Terminations to Avoid Costly Disputes
A look at Industrial Timber Corp. v. Ababon on valid business closure, termination pay, and the cost of missing notice requirements.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Expert Opinion in Philippine Murder Trials
The Supreme Court explains why eyewitness accounts can outweigh ballistics expert testimony in murder cases, and when courts may disregard expert opinions.
Administrative Accountability: When Can You File a Complaint Against a Philippine Court Employee
Learn when a complaint against court personnel prospers or fails, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Mikrostar Industrial Corporation v. Mabalot.
Fair Prosecution and Due Process: The Prosecutor's Role in Criminal Trials
When a judge allowed defense witnesses to testify without the prosecutor present, the Supreme Court reminded courts that the State is also entitled to due process.
Mandatory Suspension for Graft Charges: What Bedruz v. Sandiganbayan Teaches Philippine Public Officers
Charged with graft? Philippine law requires suspension from office while trial is pending. Bedruz v. Sandiganbayan explains when and how that suspension applies.
Due Process and Pre-Trial Notice: Protecting Litigants' Rights in Philippine Courts
A lawyer's missed hearings and failure to file appeal briefs led to suspension—a lesson on due process and client protection.
Preliminary Injunction Against MMDA Billboards: Protecting Contractual Rights Pending Trial
Supreme Court affirms preliminary injunction stopping MMDA from dismantling MRT 3 billboards, protecting Trackworks' contractual advertising rights pending trial.
Due Process in Criminal Prosecution: When the State May Present Additional Evidence
Explaining when courts may allow the prosecution to present additional evidence and how the State's right to due process balances against the accused's right to speedy trial.
Double Jeopardy Prevails When Acquittal Bars Further Prosecution
Philippine Savings Bank v. Bermoy clarifies that an acquittal on demurrer to evidence bars any further prosecution, even if the trial court erred.
Dismissal of Civil Cases: Understanding Failure to Prosecute in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when dismissal for failure to prosecute is proper, and when trial courts abuse their discretion.
Criminal VS Civil When A Civil Court Ruling Doesnt Stop A Criminal Trial
A civil court ruling that seems to favor the accused does not automatically stop a criminal prosecution. Learn the rules on prejudicial questions, res judicata, and motion to quash.
Balancing Rights When Subpoena Powers Clash With Speedy Trial Rights In Bouncing Check Cases
The Supreme Court rules on when a subpoena duces tecum in BP 22 cases becomes a fishing expedition that violates speedy trial rights.
Jurisdiction in Unfair Competition Cases: RTC vs MTC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts, not Metropolitan Trial Courts, have jurisdiction over unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to Present Evidence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court reminds trial courts that a demurrer to evidence must be a knowing waiver of the accused's right to present evidence.
Witness Credibility vs Forensic Evidence: When Supreme Court Defers to Trial Court Findings
Philippine Supreme Court explains why witness credibility often outweighs forensic gaps in criminal convictions, citing Siccuan v. People.
Untangling Premature Appeals: Baniqued v. Ramos and the Perils of Anticipating Court Decisions
A premature notice of appeal filed while a motion for new trial is pending is inefficacious and cannot perfect an appeal under Rule 41.
Habeas Corpus A Limited Remedy FOR Violations OF Speedy Trial Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus is not the proper remedy to enforce speedy trial rights, explaining available legal options.