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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Hierarchy of Courts and Indigenous Peoples Rights: Anita Santos v. Gabaen
Supreme Court dismisses Anita Santos' petition against NCIP orders, affirming the doctrine of hierarchy of courts and limiting standing in IP rights disputes.
Lifting of Mining Closure Orders Revives Writ of Kalikasan Petitions
Supreme Court rules that lifting DENR closure orders revives environmental claims, keeping Writ of Kalikasan petitions alive.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Enforcement IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies medical malpractice prescription and strict procedural deadlines for certiorari petitions under Rule 45.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Compliance Required IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that Rule 45 petitions must strictly comply with procedural deadlines, and clarifies the elements of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Righting A Name Overcoming Bureaucratic Inertia IN Change OF Name Petitions
A look at how Philippine courts handle petitions for change of name and the standards for granting them.
Hierarchy of Courts in Certiorari Petitions: Lessons from Nacionales v. Solde-Annogui
The Supreme Court reaffirms the hierarchy of courts doctrine, requiring certiorari petitions to start at the RTC, not the High Court.
Understanding Unfair Competition in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A look at unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, explained through a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on confusingly similar products.
Lost Land Title Replacement: RTC, Not DARAB, Has Jurisdiction Over CLOA Titles
Supreme Court clarifies that the RTC, not the DARAB, has jurisdiction over petitions to replace lost owner's duplicate certificates of title, even if the title originated from a CLOA.
Forum Shopping in Tax Appeals: When Multiple Petitions Lead to Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on forum shopping in tax appeals, and why only one of two CIR petitions was dismissed.
Redefining Psychological Incapacity: Supreme Court Updates Guidelines for Marriage Nullity
The Supreme Court's Tan-Andal ruling relaxes the strict Molina guidelines on psychological incapacity, making marriage nullity petitions more humane and evidence-based.
Navigating the Legal Maze of Name Changes in the Philippines: Insights from a Landmark Case
A look at how Philippine courts handle name change petitions, the legal requirements, and practical guidance from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
Understanding Judicial Clemency: A Guide to Reinstatement for Disbarred Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's 2021 ruling in Ricafort sets new guidelines for judicial clemency petitions by disbarred lawyers seeking reinstatement.
Supreme Court: Direct Petitions to SC Violate Hierarchy of Courts Rule
SC dismisses Palafox petition for bypassing Court of Appeals, reaffirming strict rule on hierarchy of courts in Philippine litigation.
Res Judicata in the Philippines: How Final Judgments Bar Endless Litigation
The Supreme Court explains res judicata and why a final judgment on a compromise agreement cannot be relitigated through new petitions.
Certiorari Timelines in the Philippines: Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Borja
The Supreme Court clarifies the 60-day rule for filing certiorari petitions and when extensions may be allowed.
Foreign Investment and Unfair Competition: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of judicial review over Board of Investments registration decisions and the meaning of unfair competition claims.
Probable Cause and Estafa Elements: Lessons from a Dismissed Certiorari Petition
A look at when courts may overturn a prosecutor's probable cause finding, and why the elements of estafa must be clearly alleged.
Navigating Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: Key Insights from a Landmark Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the hierarchy of courts and forum shopping rules in habeas corpus petitions, with key takeaways for litigants.
Probable Cause and Government Procurement: Insights from the DOH v. Pascua Case
The Supreme Court dismissed DOH petitions against a trial court's TRO and injunction in a bidding dispute, ruling the case moot after the project proceeded.
Petition for Relief and Extrinsic Fraud: Jurisdiction Limits in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for relief from judgments, the role of extrinsic fraud, and jurisdictional limits under Rule 38.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Disputes: Court of Appeals Has Exclusive Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that petitions questioning PDIC denials of deposit insurance claims must be filed with the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
Relaxation of Procedural Rules Ensures Substantial Justice Prevails Over Technicalities in Certiorari Petition
Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to resolve merits of case involving memorial lot purchase, affirming RTC decision annulling contract.
Presidential Immunity Shielding THE Chief Executive From Suit During Tenure
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that a sitting President enjoys immunity from suit, including habeas data petitions, during tenure.