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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Lawyer Suspended for Failing to Appeal Client's Quo Warranto Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to appeal a quo warranto decision, causing client's removal from office.
Certiorari vs. Appeal: Choosing the Right Legal Remedy in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use certiorari versus appeal, and why pursuing both remedies simultaneously can be fatal to a case.
Beneficial Judgments Extending Leniency to Co-Accused in Criminal Conspiracy
When one co-accused wins a favorable ruling on appeal, the benefit can extend to others—even those who withdrew their appeal. Here's how.
Forum Shopping and Fair Play: Why Employers Cannot Raise New Defenses on Appeal
Supreme Court rules employers cannot raise lack of employer-employee relationship for the first time on appeal after actively participating in labor proceedings.
Support Pendente Lite Orders Are Interlocutory: When Can They Be Appealed?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that support pendente lite orders are interlocutory and not appealable, explaining the proper remedy under Rule 65.
Judicial Efficiency: The Consequences of Delay in Rendering Decisions
When an appeal is dismissed for a late brief, is that the end? The Supreme Court weighs strict procedural rules against substantive justice in CMTC v. Bhagis.
Supreme Court: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules Prevails in Labor Appeals
Learn when courts may relax procedural rules in labor cases and why the Supreme Court rejected a belated appeal in Building Care Corp. v. Macaraeg.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Attorney Negligence Threatens a Client's Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may relax procedural rules, holding that a counsel's ordinary negligence binds the client and cannot justify a late appeal.
Standing to Sue: Why Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Dismissals Alone
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why private complainants lack legal standing to appeal criminal case dismissals without the Solicitor General.
When Can't a Party Change Legal Strategy on Appeal: Crisologo v. People
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable on trust receipts, and the limits of changing legal theories on appeal.
Upholding DUE Process Effectivity OF Counsel Withdrawal AND THE Implications ON Timely Appeals
Jurisdiction Defined: Mixed Questions of Law and Fact in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal raises mixed questions of law and fact, and why jurisdiction depends on the nature of the issues raised.
Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Deadlines in Expropriation Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may take judicial notice of land values and why the DAR formula must govern just compensation in agrarian expropriation.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving convicted accused a full 15 days from denial of reconsideration.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Protecting the Accused's Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court applies the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get a full 15 days to appeal after denial of reconsideration.
Fresh Period Rule Expanded to Criminal Appeals: Equal Rights for Accused
The Supreme Court extends the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get the same 15-day window as civil litigants.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving accused persons 15 days from denial of reconsideration to appeal.
Dismissal of Appeal: Fugitive Status Bars Access to Judicial Relief
A Supreme Court ruling explains why an accused who jumps bail loses the right to appeal and seek relief from the courts.
Timeliness and Sufficiency in Election Protests: Balancing Procedure and Substance
A look at Lloren v. COMELEC on appeal fee deadlines, motion fees, and the mandatory requirements for a valid election protest.
Untangling Time: When Does the Clock Start Ticking for Relief from Judgment?
Explaining the 60-day and 6-month periods for filing a petition for relief from judgment under Rule 38, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Court of Tax Appeals an
POEA Jurisdiction Over Seafarer Disciplinary Cases: NLRC Has No Appellate Review
Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from POEA disciplinary action cases against seafarers go to the Labor Secretary, not the NLRC.
Jurisdiction Over OFW Disciplinary Cases: POEA vs NLRC Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the NLRC has no appellate jurisdiction over POEA disciplinary action cases against OFWs; appeals go to the Labor Secretary.
Default Judgments: Scope of Appellate Review and Admissibility of Evidence
A defaulting defendant may still appeal, but only on limited grounds. The Court clarifies how evidence is treated on appeal from a default judgment.
Double Jeopardy Prevails: Acquittal Stands Despite Alleged Errors in Evidence Appreciation
The Supreme Court reaffirms the rule against double jeopardy, holding that an acquittal cannot be appealed or reversed absent grave abuse of discretion.