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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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.
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.
Understanding Indirect Contempt and Habeas Corpus: Lessons from Rodriguez v. Bonifacio
A judge's suspension for mishandling contempt and habeas corpus proceedings, and the procedural rules every litigant should know.
Upholding Procedural Rules: The Duty to Monitor Appeal Status and Retroactivity of Court Rules
The Supreme Court affirms that procedural rules apply retroactively and that counsel must monitor appeal status, even under old rules.
Default Orders and the Duty to Answer: Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice
When does a petition for certiorari excuse a defendant from filing an answer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on default orders.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Vague Information: Protecting Victims and Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction despite a vague information, explaining procedural rules and victim credibility in incest cases.
Election Contests: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Will of the Electorate
The Supreme Court rules that technical rules on forum shopping should not defeat the people's choice in election contests.
Second Chances in Appeals: Leniency for Late Docket Fee Payments in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules on late appeal docket fees when justice requires, as shown in this 1999 ruling.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Why Denying the Crime Doesn't Guarantee Innocence in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts don't presume innocence from denial alone. Learn how procedural rules and evidence shape criminal liability in this legal analysis.
Strictly Observe Deadlines: Why Missing Appeal Periods Can Cost You Your Case in the Philippines
Learn how missing appeal deadlines or filing late comments can affect your case, and why courts may relax procedural rules only in exceptional circumstances.
Fatal Procedural Error: How a Missing Notice of Hearing Can Doom Your Motion for Reconsideration in the Philip
Learn how a missing notice of hearing can doom a motion for reconsideration in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules.
When Cases Become Pointless: Mootness and a Lawyer's Duty to the Court in Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on procedural rules and the burden of proof in the Pacific Banking Corporation liquidation case.
Attorney Negligence Consequences of Missing Deadlines in Philippine Law
Learn how missed legal deadlines and attorney negligence affect cases in the Philippines, with insights from Supreme Court rulings on procedural rules.
Upholding Judicial Competence: The Cost of Ignoring Basic Procedural Rules
A judge's severe reprimand for gross ignorance of appeal rules underscores the high standard of competence expected of Philippine courts.
Limits of Judicial Review: When Courts Can Question Tax Laws
Explore the limits of judicial review in tax cases through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules and evidence.
Foreclosure Sale Remedies in the Philippines: Act 3135 Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the remedy to set aside a foreclosure sale under Act 3135, and when courts may relax procedural rules.
Evidence in Court: Why Presenting Evidence Properly Matters in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how evidence presentation and procedural rules shape outcomes in illegal dismissal disputes.
Judicial Misconduct: Neglect of Duty and Insubordination in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's failure to follow procedural rules and obey a superior's directive, resulting in a fine.
Perfecting Appeals: Why Timeliness Is Everything in Philippine Courts
A dismissed certiorari petition becomes final and binding. Learn why procedural rules like Circular 1-88 can decide your case.