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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Retroactivity of Procedural Rules: Timely Justice in Estate Administration
The Supreme Court clarifies that procedural amendments apply retroactively, ensuring timely justice in estate administration cases.
Due Process Prevails: Substantial Amendment to Information Requires New Preliminary Investigation
Supreme Court rules substantial amendments to criminal informations require new preliminary investigation to protect accused's due process rights.
Final Judgments and Immutability: Protecting Property Rights from Alteration
Why a final and executory judgment cannot be altered, and how courts protect property rights from void amendments.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules Safeguarding Timely Appeals in Labor Disputes
How a procedural rule change saved a dismissed worker's appeal: the Supreme Court on retroactivity of Rule 65 amendments.
Amendment of Information After Plea: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Accused's Rights
When may a court allow amendment of an Information after the accused pleads? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between formal and substantial amendments.
Amendment of Information: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Accused's Right to Due Process
When can the prosecution amend an Information after the accused pleads? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between formal and substantial amendments.
Amending Informations After Arraignment: Rights of the Accused vs. Prosecutorial Efficiency
When can the prosecution amend an Information after arraignment? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on substantial vs. formal amendments.
Reviving Legal Claims: The Supreme Court's Curative Approach to Certiorari Filing Periods
A 2000 ruling explains how curative amendments to Rule 65 restored a fresh 60-day period for filing certiorari after a motion for reconsideration is denied.
When Can a Complaint Be Amended in Philippine Courts: Key Rules
Learn the Philippine rules on amending complaints and pleadings, including when amendments are allowed and how courts treat them.
Docket Fees and the Right to Amend: Balancing Access to Justice in Patent Infringement Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on docket fees, amendments to complaints, and equitable access to justice in patent cases.
Tax Refund Rates for Miners and Forest Concessionaires Under R.A. 1435
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 25% specific tax refund for miners and forest concessionaires is based on original R.A. 1435 rates, not later amendments.
When Courts Allow Amendments: Correcting Errors in Legal Documents
Philippine courts permit amendments to correct errors in legal documents, but only under specific conditions. Learn the rules.