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.
Fresh Period Rule Expanded to Criminal Appeals: Equal Rights for Accused
The Supreme Court extends the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get the same 15-day window as civil litigants.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving accused persons 15 days from denial of reconsideration to appeal.
Substantial Justice Prevails When Philippine Courts Forgive Minor Procedural Lapses
Philippine courts prioritize substantial justice over procedural technicalities, but only for parties who followed the rules. Learn when lapses are forgiven.
Overpricing and Accountability: The COA's Role in Ensuring Prudent Government Spending
How the Commission on Audit ensures prudent government spending, and what the Supreme Court says about overpricing and public accountability.
Equality in Representation: Population Requirements for Legislative Districts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Constitution does not require a 250,000 population minimum for provincial legislative districts.
Deemed Approved Leave: What Happens When Government Agencies Ignore Leave Applications
When government agencies fail to act on leave applications within five working days, the leave is deemed approved. Learn the rules and protections.
Seafarers Disability: Work-Related Aggravation and Employer Liability
Supreme Court ruling on seafarer's colon cancer compensability, work-related aggravation, and employer liability for total disability benefits.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Valid Cause and the Right to Reinstatement and Backwages
Learn the rules on illegal dismissal, valid cause, and the employee's right to reinstatement and backwages from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Estafa by False Pretenses: Proving Fraud Beyond Reasonable Doubt in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts prove estafa by false pretenses, using the Rizza Lao case to explain the elements, burden of proof, and penalties.
Safeguarding Public Officers Good Faith AND THE Anti Graft LAW
Explore the PCGG v. Sandiganbayan ruling on res judicata, act of state doctrine, and the duty of public officers to act promptly on requests.
Beyond Legibility Upholding the Right to Appeal Despite Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court ruled that an unreadable copy of a decision justifies relaxing appeal deadlines, protecting the right to appeal.
Prescription in Mortgage Foreclosure: When the Clock Starts Ticking in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the 10-year prescriptive period for mortgage foreclosure runs from default, not from the mortgage date.
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.
Substantial Justice Prevails Understanding Court Discretion On Late Filing Of Appellants Briefs In The Philipp
Learn how Philippine courts exercise discretion on late filing of appellants' briefs, balancing procedural rules with substantial justice.
Res Judicata in Philippine Property Disputes: Preventing Endless Litigation
When can a co-owner file ejectment alone? The Supreme Court clarifies Article 487 and the rules on indispensable parties.
Surety Bonds Enforcing Liability Despite Procedural Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may suspend civil cases for prejudicial questions, and how surety obligations remain enforceable.
Double Sales and Registered Titles: Priority Rules in Philippine Land Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve double sales and registered title disputes, and why registration matters in land ownership conflicts.
Family Code Interpretation Limits on Family Member Definition in Legal Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies Article 213 of the Family Code: mothers keep custody of children under seven unless compelling reasons exist.
Breach of Trust and Employee Dismissal: When Is It Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dismissal for breach of trust is justified, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice in labor cases.
Barangay Conciliation Substantial Compliance Sufficient For Unlawful Detainer Cases
Substantial compliance with barangay conciliation suffices for unlawful detainer cases, even without pangkat proceedings, per Zamora v. Heirs of Izquierdo.
Substantial Compliance in Labor Disputes: Upholding Merits Over Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court rules that substantial compliance with procedural rules, not technicalities, should govern labor dispute resolutions.
Reviving the Pursuit of Justice: Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription rules for anti-graft cases and the Ombudsman's duty to investigate, not dismiss, based on valid laws.
Due Process in Agrarian Reform: The Supreme Court on CLOA Issuance and Rightful Beneficiaries
The Supreme Court affirms that due process is indispensable in CLOA issuance, and explains when exhausting administrative remedies is not required.
Justice Delayed Rights Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Injunction Bonds IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules in labor cases, prioritizing worker convenience and substantial justice over technicalities.