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.
Appeal vs Certiorari: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Recourse in the Philippines
Learn when to file an appeal versus a certiorari petition under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Andalis v. Court of Appeals.
Second Chances Denied: The High Cost of Procedural Missteps in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why "honest mistake" rarely justifies a new trial—and why procedural deadlines and rules are strictly enforced.
Mootness Doctrine and Acquittal: When Court Rulings Lose Relevance
Explaining when court rulings become moot and academic, and how acquittal affects pending criminal cases in the Philippines.
Grave Threats Case: Why Judges Must Apply Summary Procedure Correctly
In Riño v. Cawaling, the Supreme Court fined a judge for gross ignorance of the law in misapplying summary procedure in a grave threats case.
Lawyers Cannot Claim Ignorance of Basic Procedures to Abandon Client Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court rules a lawyer's claim of ignorance in filing a motion for reconsideration is no excuse for neglecting a client's case.
Judicial Accountability in Unlawful Detainer Cases: The Montemayor Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in an ejectment case underscores the strict timelines and impartiality required of Philippine courts.
15-Day Deadline for Appealing HLURB Decisions to the Office of the President
Learn the strict 15-day appeal period for HLURB decisions to the Office of the President, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Maxima Realty.
Provocation and Homicide: When a Victim's Actions Reduce Criminal Liability
Explore how a victim's provocative act can reduce murder to homicide, as ruled in People v. Tigle.
Banks' Fiduciary Duty to Protect Depositors' Funds: What the Law Requires
Philippine law imposes a strict fiduciary duty on banks to protect depositors' funds. This article explains the legal standards and consequences of breach.
Pre-Trial Stipulations Enforceability and Binding Effect on Parties
How stipulations made during pre-trial bind parties and the court, with rules on enforceability under Philippine procedure.
Workplace Misconduct: Striking Subordinates and Maintaining Decorum in the Judiciary
Supreme Court ruling on a supervisor who struck a subordinate, emphasizing decorum and discipline in the judiciary.
Forum Shopping and Mining Rights: Lessons from the Lepanto-WMC Dispute
The Supreme Court clarifies when overlapping claims before courts and administrative agencies constitute forum shopping in mining disputes.
DARAB Contempt Powers: Why Arrest Orders Must Come From Courts
The Supreme Court limits DARAB's contempt power—arrest orders for indirect contempt must come from the Regional Trial Court, not administrative bodies.
Retroactivity vs Prospectivity: Protecting Vested Rights in Agrarian Reform Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when its ruling on the proper mode of appeal in agrarian cases applies, protecting vested rights.
Challenging Local Tax Ordinances: The 30-Day Appeal Rule Under Section 187
Taxpayers must appeal to the Secretary of Justice within 30 days of a local tax ordinance's effectivity or lose the right to challenge it in court.
When Killing a Child Is Treachery: The Ostia Murder Case
Explaining why killing a four-year-old is treachery, and why the Court still reduced the penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Unlawful Arrest and Admissible Evidence: Key Lessons from a Robbery Case
How the Supreme Court protected constitutional rights by excluding evidence from an unlawful warrantless arrest in a robbery case.
Corporate Dissolution and Judgment Enforcement: Rights Survive Liquidation
A final judgment can still be enforced after a corporation dissolves — the Supreme Court explains why in this ruling.
Relief From Judgment Confined to Trial Courts, Not Extended to Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies that relief from judgment under Rule 38 applies only to trial courts, not the Court of Appeals.
Venue in Philippine Breach of Contract Cases: The DAPCO v. Dole Lesson
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue in lease disputes, and why filing in the wrong place can get your case dismissed.
Forgery Claims and Document Production: The Right to Examine Evidence in Court
When can a court deny a motion to examine documents for forgery? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial discretion.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Public Interest and Court Discretion in Insurance Claims
When can a winning party execute a judgment while the appeal is pending? The Supreme Court explains the "good reasons" standard in this insurance dispute.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Intent and Participation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, intent, and participation in homicide—what the Manlansing case teaches about criminal liability.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.