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.
Negligence in Patent Applications: How Attorney Laches Can Cost You Patent Rights
When lawyers fail to respond to patent office actions, applicants may lose their rights. The Supreme Court explains why.
Lost Court Exhibits: When Court Personnel Are Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's liability for lost firearms held as court exhibits, explaining duties of clerks of court.
Laches vs. Torrens Title: Why Delay Can Cost You Your Land in the Philippines
A Torrens title is strong but not absolute—unreasonable delay in asserting ownership can lead to losing the property to laches.
Judicial Accountability: Judge Held Liable for Neglect of Duty and Falsified Certificates of Service
A Philippine judge was considered resigned for failing to decide cases on time and submitting false certificates of service, underscoring judicial accountability.
Clerks of Court Must Strictly Follow Rules on Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court reminds clerks of court and judges of strict rules on handling court funds, citing a case of suspension and fine for violations.
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Judicial Overreach: When a Judge Solemnizes Marriage Outside Jurisdiction
A judge who solemnized a marriage outside his court's jurisdiction and failed to register it was fined P5,000. Learn the rules.
Valid Substituted Service: How Philippine Courts Can Serve Summons Without Personal Delivery
Learn when substituted service of summons is valid in Philippine courts, what the sheriff's return must show, and how to challenge a default order.
Honesty is the Best Policy: Understanding Concealment in Philippine Insurance Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an insurer may deny a claim for concealment, and who may sue on a mortgage redemption insurance policy.
Deadlines Matter: Upholding Judicial Efficiency and Timely Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and file extension requests before deadlines. Learn the rules.
Unreasonable Trial Delays: A Judge's Duty to Control Court Proceedings
When a judge tolerates repeated postponements, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on trial delays and judicial accountability.
Gross Negligence of Public Officials: Understanding Liability in Philippine Law
When are public officials liable for gross negligence? This article explains the legal standard and how Philippine courts apply it.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer's Duty of Diligence and the Consequences of Abandoning a Clie
When can a lawyer abandon a client? The Supreme Court explains the duty of diligence and the penalty for neglect in Aromin v. Boncavil.
Strict Deadlines in Ejectment Cases: Why Missing the Answer Deadline Can Cost You Your Property in the Philipp
Learn how missing answer deadlines in ejectment cases can cost you your property, and understand the due process protections that may still apply.
Separation of Church and State: Supreme Court Upholds Labor Rights of Religious Workers
The Supreme Court rules that a pastor's dismissal is a secular employment matter, not an ecclesiastical affair, affirming labor protections.
Due Process and the Right to Present Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases
When may a trial court validly treat a counsel's absence as a waiver of the accused's right to present evidence? The Supreme Court explains.
When Negligence Isnt Gross Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence is not "gross" enough to justify dismissal under the Labor Code.
Limits of Protest Striking Teachers and the Public Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on teacher strikes, free assembly limits, and public interest in education.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Proving Your Case Even Without a Termination Letter
Illegal dismissal can be proven even without a termination letter. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A court stenographer's gross neglect of duty leads to forfeiture of benefits and a lifetime ban from government service.
Ministerial Duty vs Discretion: When a Clerk of Court Must Act and the Consequences of Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sheriff's duty to execute a deed of sale is purely ministerial, and the penalties for refusal.
Philippine Courts and Foreign Defendants: How Voluntary Appearance Can Establish Jurisdiction
A look at Villareal v. CA: when a non-resident defendant voluntarily appears in court, jurisdiction over the person is established.
When Acts of God Disrupt Travel: Airline Liability for Flight Delays in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability for passenger expenses during flight delays caused by force majeure, like the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
Judicial Efficiency and Integrity: Consequences of Delay and Falsification in the Philippine Judiciary
Explore how a judge's failure to decide cases on time and falsified certificates of service led to dismissal, underscoring judicial accountability.