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.
The Fresh Period Rule for Appeals in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, giving accused persons a full 15 days from denial of post-judgment motions.
Dismissed Appeal: The Perils of Non-Compliance with Rules of Court
A dismissed appeal shows why strict compliance with Rule 44 on appellant's briefs is mandatory, not optional.
Judicial Ethics: Why Judges Must Avoid Even the Appearance of Impropriety
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge soliciting donations from lawyers and prosecutors, and the duty to avoid impropriety.
Immediate Execution of Ombudsman Decisions: A Guide for Philippine Public Officials
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Ombudsman suspension orders are immediately executory even pending appeal before the Court of Appeals.
Missed Filing Deadlines in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Barangay Dasmariñas vs. Creative Play Corner School
Learn how strict Philippine court filing deadlines are, and why a missed extension cost Barangay Dasmariñas its case before the Court of Appeals.
Estoppel by Silence in Philippine Insurance Law: When a Bank's Silence Speaks Volumes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estoppel by silence, bank liability for unpaid insurance premiums, and corporate veil in insurance claims.
Substitution of Counsel and Your Right to Appeal: A Philippine Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court handles appeals filed by lawyers who failed to properly substitute the counsel on record.
When Amparo Fails Balancing Rights AND Evidence IN Disappearance Cases
The writ of amparo protects life, liberty, and security. But what happens when the evidence is weak or the case is moot? This article explains the limits of amparo relief in Philippine courts.
Conditional Settlement Agreements: Are They Binding in Philippine Labor Disputes?
The Supreme Court ruled on whether a "conditional" settlement of a labor judgment award is valid and binding, and its effect on pending appeals.
Untimely Appeal: How Attorney Negligence Can Doom Your Case
Learn how attorney negligence in filing an appeal can doom your case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability.
Dismissal for Repeat Offenses: Enforcing Ethical Conduct in Writ Enforcement
A sheriff's second offense for mishandling execution expenses leads to dismissal, underscoring strict rules for sheriffs.
The Critical Omission: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on VAT Invoices for Tax Credit Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to print on its sales invoices. The CTA En Banc affirmed this denial, and J.R.A. elevated the matter to the Supreme Court.
Navigating Appeals When Questions of Fact and Law Intertwine in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle appeals involving mixed questions of fact and law, based on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Punctuality in Public Service: Dismissal for Habitual Tardiness Explained
Learn the rules on habitual tardiness in Philippine public service, penalties for repeat offenses, and why personal excuses do not justify lateness.
Perjury Complaints and the DOJ Secretary's Discretion in Preliminary Investigations
Explains when the DOJ may dismiss a perjury complaint appeal and why constitutional due process rules for courts do not bind prosecutors.
Untangling Agrarian Appeals When Is a Petition for Review Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when a petition for review—not an ordinary appeal—is required in agrarian cases, and why procedural lapses may be excused.
Forum Shopping and Timeliness: Navigating Legal Remedies in Intra-Corporate Disputes
A party cannot file both an appeal and a certiorari petition against the same ruling—this is forum shopping. Learn the rules.
Local Government Officials and Legal Representation: Defining Government Instrumentalities
Supreme Court clarifies that government-owned or controlled corporations like NPC are "instrumentalities" under the Local Government Code, disqualifying sanggunian members from appearing as counsel ag
Illegal Strike Consequences and Employee Rights: Lessons from Alcantara v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when strikes become illegal, who faces termination, and what reinstatement rights employees retain.
Judicial Seniority in the Court of Appeals: Date of Appointment Controls
The Supreme Court settles how CA justices' seniority is determined—by appointment date, not transmittal or barcode.
Upholding Workers Rights Timely Appeals AND Constructive Dismissal IN Labor Disputes
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on prescriptive periods for illegal dismissal and money claims in PLDT v. Pingol.
Balancing Security and Privacy: The Supreme Court on Amparo, Habeas Data, and Enforced Disappearance Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of amparo and habeas data writs in Roxas v. Arroyo, balancing security, privacy, and state accountability.
Jurisdictional Error: Appealing to the Wrong Court in Anti-Graft Cases
Learn how filing a COA appeal to the wrong court can be fatal, using a recent Supreme Court ruling on quantum meruit.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
When an accused dies while appeal is pending, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.