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.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Non-Party Can Challenge a Final Court Decision
Learn when Philippine courts allow annulment of judgment under Rule 47, and why non-parties have limited remedies.
Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Learn when a lawyer's negligence binds the client in Philippine courts, and when courts may grant relief from counsel's mistakes.
Client Responsibility Prevails: The Binding Effect of Counsel's Negligence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a client is bound by counsel's negligence, and the duty to monitor one's case.
Certiorari as Remedy for Questioning Acquittal Based on Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may question an acquittal and why errors of judgment remain barred by double jeopardy.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Failure TO File AN Appeal Leads TO Dismissal
When failure to file an appeal brief leads to dismissal, the Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter and when they may be relaxed.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Taxing Power: The Limits of Local Authority
A local government cannot tax property outside its territory. The Supreme Court explains why jurisdiction defines taxing power.
Upholding Land Titles: The Limits of Reconveyance Based on Alleged Fraud in Free Patent Applications
The Supreme Court clarifies when a free patent title becomes indefeasible and why mere allegations of fraud cannot defeat a Torrens title.
Possession vs Ownership: Writ of Possession and Third-Party Claims in Philippine Foreclosures
A writ of possession is ministerial only against the mortgagor. Third parties with adverse claims must be heard first.
Speedy Trial Rights When Agreement Nullifies Delay In Securities Act Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's agreement to defer trial negates claims of speedy trial violation in securities cases.
When Late Appeal Briefs Are Allowed: Substantial Justice Over Technical Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late filing of an appellant's brief may be excused in the interest of substantial justice.
Contempt of Court: Due Process and Just Penalties in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the proper procedure and penalties for indirect contempt, emphasizing due process rights.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Appeals: Due Process Beyond the Trial Court
The Supreme Court rules that the right to counsel extends to appeals, and gross lawyer negligence can excuse a missed appeal.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Burden of Proof in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, unlawful aggression, and the accused's burden of proof in homicide cases.
Attorney Negligence and the Limits of Relief from Judgment in Philippine Courts
When a lawyer's mistake costs a client the case, relief from judgment is not always available. This decision explains the limits.
Void Judgments Protecting Real Parties in Interest in Property Disputes
When a court decides a property case without the true owner, the judgment is void—protecting buyers who were never impleaded.
Challenging Land Titles: Understanding Extrinsic Fraud in Property Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies when fraud can void a land title—and why ordinary disputes over ownership are not enough.
Bound by Your Lawyer’s Mistakes? Client Responsibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts generally hold clients responsible for their lawyers' negligence. Only gross negligence that deprives a client of due process warrants relief.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Justify New Trial in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives an accused of due process, courts may reopen the case for a fair trial.
Right to Present Evidence Ensures Fair Trial Despite Counsel's Absence
Supreme Court rules that a client's right to present evidence cannot be sacrificed due to counsel's absence, ensuring fair trial.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Why Heirs' Consent Matters in Estate Partition
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' inheritance rights in estate partition, and why an administrator's failure to follow the decedent's will amounts to extrinsic fraud.
Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Fraud and the One-Year Rule Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility, the one-year fraud review period, and why titles from public land patents become incontrovertible.
When Are Clients Bound by Their Lawyer’s Actions? Philippine Supreme Court Explains
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a client is bound by a lawyer's negligence or refusal to receive court notices.
Probate Publication as Sufficient Notice to Interested Parties
Supreme Court clarifies that publication in probate proceedings binds all interested parties, even those not personally notified.
When Courts Must Relax Procedural Rules: The MRT Tax Case and the Right to Present Evidence
The Supreme Court ruled that courts must liberally apply procedural rules to give litigants every opportunity to present their case on the merits.