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.
Real Property Tax Disputes: Location, Titles, and Escrow When LGUs Compete
When two LGUs claim the same property for real estate tax, who gets paid? The Supreme Court's answer in Municipality of Cainta v. Spouses Braña.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Injunction Cases: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Practitioners
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a tax dispute between two LGUs, and what it means for property owners facing competing tax claims.
Judicial Fiscal Autonomy Reaffirmed in Supreme Court Ruling on Travel Expenses
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy by approving PHILJA's payment of training expenses, reinforcing judicial independence.
Timely Filing of Motions: Why Service on Counsel Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that notice to counsel, not the party, determines the timeliness of motions in Philippine litigation.
Substantial Compliance in Verification: When Procedural Lapses Still Cost the Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with verification rules cannot excuse a belatedly filed motion for reconsideration in civil cases.
Untangling Defamation: Navigating Appeals and Evidence in Honor-Related Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the proper appellate route for prosecutor resolutions and the evidence needed for oral defamation cases.
Matibag v. Dangerous Drugs Board: CES Eligibility and Security of Tenure Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that Career Service Executive Eligibility (CSEE) alone does not guarantee security of tenure in CES positions.
Substantial Compliance on Belated Secretary's Certificate and Its Impact on Unlawful Detainer Cases
SC rules belated submission of Secretary's Certificate is substantial compliance, preventing dismissal of unlawful detainer cases on procedural grounds.
Balancing Justice and Procedure: When Technicalities Yield to Substantive Rights
A Supreme Court ruling on late filings, procedural rules, and the limits of substantial justice in Philippine litigation.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: The Latogan Doctrine
The Supreme Court in Latogan v. People relaxed procedural rules to prevent a grave injustice, protecting a defendant's right to appeal a murder conviction.
When a Lawyer’s Suspension Does Not End Automatically: Compliance and Court Orders
A lawyer’s suspension is not automatically lifted when the period ends. The Court must first issue an order lifting it.
Finality of Monetary Awards in Labor Cases: The Tan v. Dagpin Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court's Tan v. Dagpin ruling protects final labor judgments from recomputation after full payment.
Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Duty of Diligence and Failing to File Appellant's Brief
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and update his address led to dismissal of his client's appeal and a six-month suspension.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Obligations
What happens when a suspended lawyer continues to practice? The Supreme Court explains the consequences in Valmonte v. Quesada.
Relaxation of Procedural Rules Ensures Substantial Justice Prevails Over Technicalities in Certiorari Petition
Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to resolve merits of case involving memorial lot purchase, affirming RTC decision annulling contract.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Mandatory Retirement vs. Reappointment Rights in Philippine State Universities
Supreme Court clarifies that mandatory retirement age does not automatically end a valid reappointment term of a state university president.
Government Procurement and Financial Accountability: Lessons from the Talisay City COA Disallowance Case
The Supreme Court upheld COA disallowances against Talisay City officials for procurement violations, clarifying rules on competitive bidding, budget realignment, and personal liability.
Deed Restrictions CAN Homeowners Associations Extend Their Term
Can homeowners associations extend deed restrictions beyond their original term? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on extending deed restrictions.
Shareholder Rights Navigating Derivative Suits IN Philippine Corporate LAW
Understand when Philippine courts allow derivative suits, the requirements under the Interim Rules, and why majority shareholders cannot bypass the board of directors.
Upholding Client Confidentiality Limits On Revealing Information After Termination OF Employment
A lawyer's duty of confidentiality survives termination of employment, but the burden of proving a breach rests on the complainant.
Local Fiscal Autonomy vs National Film Development: The Operative Fact Doctrine in Tax Cases
The Supreme Court balances local fiscal autonomy and national film development in the FDCP amusement tax case, applying the operative fact doctrine.
Disbarment for Disrespect: Upholding Judicial Authority and Ethical Conduct in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for repeated abuse of court processes, dilatory tactics, and disrespect toward a Court of Appeals justice.