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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Discovery in Philippine Litigation: Timing, Scope, and Court Discretion
Philippine discovery rules have no strict time limit. Courts enjoy wide discretion, as shown in Producers Bank v. Court of Appeals.
When Can a Judge Recall a Warrant of Arrest: Understanding Abuse of Discretion
A Supreme Court ruling explains the three-day notice rule for motions and when a judge commits abuse of discretion in recalling warrants.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
When a Teacher's Discretion Is Not Oppression: The Limits of Authority in Philippine Schools
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a teacher's reasonable enrollment requirement is not oppression, defining the limits of administrative liability.
Challenging Comelec Orders: Abuse of Discretion and Preliminary Injunctions in Election Cases
When can Comelec issue a preliminary injunction against a winning candidate? This case explains the limits of judicial review.
The Perils of Sin Perjuicio Judgments: Ensuring Timely and Complete Justice in the Philippines
Philippine courts must independently assess prosecutorial motions to withdraw information, balancing judicial discretion with the Secretary of Justice's review powers.
Untimely Appeal and NLRC Discretion: Jurisdictional Requirements in Labor Disputes
Philippine National Construction Corporation vs. NLRC: motion for reconsideration is mandatory before certiorari, and separation benefits are construed in favor of workers.
Service of Court Decisions in the Philippines: The Laza Case and Due Process
Learn how Philippine courts rule on valid service of decisions, the "sufficient discretion" standard, and the Laza v. Court of Appeals case.
Failing to Answer Interrogatories in Philippine Courts: What Santiago Land Development Teaches Us
Learn the consequences of failing to answer interrogatories in Philippine courts, and why dismissal is discretionary, not automatic.
When a Judge's Error Becomes Grave Abuse of Discretion: Lessons from Santiago Land Development
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's mistake in denying a motion to dismiss rises to grave abuse of discretion correctable by certiorari.
When Can the BOI Amend a Company's Registration? A Look at First Lepanto Ceramics
The Supreme Court clarifies the BOI's discretion to amend a registered enterprise's product line, even amid pending violation cases.
Retrenchment in Bad Faith: Limits on Employer Discretion and Employee Rights to Backwages
When is retrenchment illegal? The Supreme Court explains bad faith, backwages, and separation pay for dismissed employees.