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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Sheriffs' Duty to Enforce Writs Promptly: A Lesson in Administrative Liability
When a sheriff repeatedly fails to implement a writ of execution, the Court steps in. Learn the rules on sheriffs' duties and penalties for neglect.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an accused who dies pending appeal has both criminal and civil liabilities extinguished.
Judicial Conduct Upholding Impartiality AND Adherence TO Procedural Rules IN Court Proceedings
The Supreme Court reinstates NLRC dismissals, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural rules in labor appeals and the finality of judgments.
Procedural Rigidity vs Substantial Justice: Navigating NLRC Rules on Appeal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when procedural lapses before the NLRC can—and cannot—be excused in labor appeals.
Navigating SEC Appeals: Understanding the Scope of Review and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may relax procedural rules and the limits of certiorari review in labor appeals.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Objections Are Waived
The Supreme Court affirmed a drug conviction despite police lapses in handling evidence, ruling that chain-of-custody objections cannot be raised for the first time on appeal.
Procedural Errors in Agrarian Reform: Why the Right Appeal Matters
A Supreme Court ruling shows why landowners appealing DAR decisions must use Rule 43, not certiorari under Rule 65.
Quashing Motions: The Remedy Lies in Trial and Appeal, Not Certiorari
When a motion to quash is denied, the accused must proceed to trial and appeal later—certiorari is not the remedy.
Strict Deadlines in VAT Refund Claims: The 120+30 Day Rule and Its Exceptions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims, and the BIR ruling that temporarily allowed premature judicial appeals.
PhilHealth Claims Disputes and Procedural Rules: Lessons from Zarsona Medical Clinic v. PhilHealth
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on PhilHealth claims, procedural compliance, and the importance of substantial justice in administrative appeals.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: The Imminent Danger of Insolvency Standard
When can a judgment be executed before appeal is final? The Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard and a surety's exposure on an injunction bond.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: Lessons from Centennial Guarantee v. Universal Motors
Explaining when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal and how a surety's liability on an injunction bond is limited.
Duty Free Philippines v. BIR: The Perils of Skipping the CTA En Banc on Appeal
A direct appeal to the Supreme Court from a CTA Division ruling is fatal. Learn the correct appellate route under R.A. 9282.
Surety Bonds and Execution Pending Appeal: What Lawyers Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when execution pending appeal may run against a surety and how far the bond covers damages.
Annulment of Judgment vs. Affidavit of Reappearance: Fraudulent Presumptive Death Declarations
When a presumptive death declaration is obtained by fraud, the Supreme Court clarifies why annulment of judgment—not an affidavit of reappearance—is the proper remedy.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Case
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
Duplicate Originals as Evidence: When Photocopies Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when duplicate originals are admissible evidence, reversing the Court of Appeals' exclusion of invoices in a collection case.
Rehabilitation Proceedings: Balancing Creditor Rights and Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies creditor participation rights in corporate rehabilitation appeals, balancing recovery goals with due process.
Due Process in Corporate Rehabilitation: Creditors' Right to Participate on Appeal
Supreme Court ruling on creditors' right to participate in corporate rehabilitation appeals, protecting due process and equal footing principles.
Indispensable Parties: Due Process in Criminal Appeals Before the CA
The Supreme Court rules on why the People must be impleaded in certiorari petitions before the Court of Appeals.
Upholding Accountability Attorney Sanctioned FOR Misleading THE Court AND Obstructing Justice
Supreme Court rules on contempt jurisdiction, residual powers of trial courts, and ministerial duties of court officers in execution pending appeal.
No Certificate, No Appeal: Strict Rule on Non-Forum Shopping in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a certificate of non-forum shopping is mandatory for NLRC appeals, and procedural rules will not be relaxed for unmeritorious claims.
Dismissal of Administrative Charges Against Judge Madrona: Errors in Judicial Functions Are Not Grounds for Di
The Supreme Court dismissed administrative charges against Judge Madrona, ruling that errors in judicial functions are correctible through appeal, not discipline.
Forcible Entry Appeals: Why Attaching the Right Pleadings Matters
Learn why the Supreme Court upheld dismissal of a forcible entry appeal for missing pleadings under Rule 42.