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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Client Neglect and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Six Months
Philippine Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for neglecting a client's land titling case and appearing against the client without consent.
Untimely Appeal: The Employer’s Burden to Perfect Appeals in Labor Disputes
When an employer misses the 10-day appeal period or posts the bond late, the Labor Arbiter’s decision becomes final and binding.
Labor Appeals and the Appeal Bond: Strict Rules on Timely Perfection in Philippine Law
A surety bond issued but not received on time means no perfected appeal—what employers must know about the 10-day rule.
The High Cost of Procedural Lapses: Dismissal of Appeal in Estafa Case
Learn how the Supreme Court relaxed procedural rules to prevent injustice in a revival of judgment case.
CTA Jurisdiction Over Local Tax Disputes: The City of Manila v. Grecia-Cuerdo Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Court of Tax Appeals has jurisdiction over certiorari petitions questioning RTC interlocutory orders in local tax cases.
Enforced Disappearance and the Writ of Amparo: Balancing Rights and Remedies
The Burgos case shows how the writ of amparo protects victims of enforced disappearance and holds state agents accountable.
Counsel Substitution and Appeal Perfection: Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how improper counsel substitution and missing non-forum shopping certifications can doom labor appeals.
Staying Execution in Ejectment Cases: Perfecting Appeals and Supersedeas Bonds
Learn the three requirements to stay execution in ejectment cases: perfect appeal, post supersedeas bond, deposit rentals.
VAT Refund Timeliness: Strict Deadlines for Appealing BIR Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund judicial claims, citing CBK Power v. CIR.
Mootness and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Administrative Appeals: Maglalang v. PAGCOR
Learn when a 30-day suspension is final and unappealable, and when certiorari is the proper remedy for grave abuse of discretion.
Weighing Evidence on Appeal: Protecting Workers’ Rights in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Understand how courts weigh evidence on appeal in illegal dismissal cases, protecting workers’ rights through clear legal standards.
Attorney Sanctioned for Baseless Complaint Against Justice: Lessons on Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court held a lawyer in indirect contempt for filing a baseless administrative complaint against a Court of Appeals justice, reaffirming that such complaints cannot substitute for judicial
Procedural Pitfalls: Why Choosing the Right Appeal Matters in Surety Bond Disputes
GSIS v. Prudential Guarantee shows how procedural missteps in appeals and execution pending appeal can shape the outcome of surety bond disputes.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Disregard of IBP Orders
A lawyer who neglects a client's appeal and ignores IBP directives faces a one-year suspension, reminding attorneys of their duties.
Hearsay on Trial: Proving Misconduct in Philippine Administrative Law
A look at Far Eastern Surety v. People, on bail bond liability, forgery claims, and the proper mode of appeal under Rule 45.
GSIS Funds and Contractual Obligations: When State Policy Yields to Private Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when GSIS funds may be garnished and when execution pending appeal is proper.
Finality of Ombudsman Decisions and the Correct Remedy for Complainants
Learn when Ombudsman rulings are final and unappealable, and how complainants can still seek review via certiorari under Rule 65.
Surety Bond Accreditation: NLRC’s Duty to Dismiss Appeals with Invalid Bonds
When a surety bond is invalid due to expired accreditation, the NLRC must dismiss the appeal. Learn the rule from a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
VAT Refund Claims: The 120-Day Rule and Timely Appeals to the CTA
Learn the mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims and how the Supreme Court applies them in CIR v. GST Philippines.
Judicial Ethics: Avoiding Impropriety and Its Appearance in Judges' Conduct
A judge's off-bench conduct matters. The Supreme Court fined a judge for drinking with a litigant, showing why appearance of impropriety is a serious offense.
Pay Under Protest Before Contesting Real Property Tax Assessments
A claim for tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment under the Local Government Code.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.
Belated Appeal in Criminal Cases: Finality of Judgment and the Right to Appeal
A belated notice of appeal in a criminal case results in finality of judgment. This article explains the rules and exceptions.
Tax Exemption vs Assessment: Understanding Payment Under Protest in Real Property Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that claiming tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment.