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.
The Fresh Period Rule: Reinterpreting Appeal Deadlines for Fair Adjudication
The Supreme Court clarifies the fresh period rule, allowing appeals within 15 days from denial of reconsideration, promoting substantial justice.
Bail and State Witness Rules in Murder and Parricide Cases: The Valerio Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be denied and when an accused may be discharged as state witness in murder and parricide cases.
Balancing Infant Health and Commercial Freedom: Limits on Restricting Breast Milk Substitute Ads
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the DOH's 2006 rules banning breast milk substitute ads, ruling the agency exceeded the Milk Code.
Burden of Proof in Compensation Claims: Establishing Work Relatedness of Non-Occupational Diseases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on proving work-relatedness for non-occupational diseases in SSS compensation claims under PD 626.
Judicial Overreach When Haste in Execution Leads to Administrative Liability
A judge's one-year suspension for gross ignorance of the law after prematurely declaring a decision final and executing it without proper motion.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Leads to a Higher Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using Facebook raises the penalty.
Deposition Deadlines in Corporate Disputes: What Philippine Computer Solutions v. Manzo Teaches
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies deposition deadlines in intra-corporate disputes and why interlocutory orders must be raised on appeal.
Deposition Deadlines in Intra-Corporate Cases: Philippine Computer Solutions v. Hernandez
The Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day discovery period under the Interim Rules on Intra-Corporate Controversies and the rule on interlocutory orders.
Finality vs Appeal: When an Unreadable Decision Tolls the Appeal Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unreadable court decision interrupts the appeal period, balancing procedural rules against substantial justice.
Beyond Oversight: Honest Mistake in Verification and Adherence to Court Mandates
SC clarifies that honest mistakes in verification do not excuse failure to attach adverse lower court orders under Rule 42.
Double Jeopardy: When a Gun Ban Violation Precludes Illegal Possession Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban violation bars a separate illegal possession of firearms charge under RA 8294.
Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Examining the Dismissal of Rape Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss a rape case for lack of probable cause, and when such dismissal constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Contract Rescission and RTC Jurisdiction: Lessons from Villena v. Payoyo
When rescinding a contract is the primary remedy, the case belongs in the Regional Trial Court—even if the monetary claim is small.
Finality of Judgments: Why a Belated Appeal Cannot Revive a Case
The Supreme Court explains why a late motion for reconsideration makes a Court of Appeals decision final and executory, binding all parties.
Finality of Judgments: Untimely Motion for Reconsideration in Administrative Cases
An untimely motion for reconsideration makes a Court of Appeals decision final and executory, binding all parties in administrative cases.
Electoral Tribunals Exclusive Jurisdiction Challenging Congressional Elections After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between COMELEC's jurisdiction over election annulment and the exclusive authority of electoral tribunals over election contests.
Ballot Box Integrity is Key: Safeguarding Election Results in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Rosal v. Comelec: ballots must be proven untampered before they can overturn election returns.
Quieting of Title and Summary Judgments: What Philippine Property Owners Should Know
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified when summary judgment is proper in quieting of title cases, and what this means for property owners facing ownership disputes.
Suing the Government: Understanding State Immunity in the Philippines
A pharmaceutical company's bid dispute clarifies when government officials can be sued despite state immunity.
Illegal Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: What Philippine Labor Law Requires
When can a strike be declared illegal in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains the binding effect of assumption and return-to-work orders.
Burden of Proof in Constructive Dismissal Cases Philippine Labor Law Explained
Understand the burden of proof in constructive dismissal cases under Philippine labor law, and how employees can establish illegal dismissal claims.
Missed Your Appeal Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Courts
A missed appeal deadline means final judgment. Learn how Philippine courts treat late appeals and why co-accused appeals don't help.
Reopening Criminal Cases in the Philippines: The Hearing Requirement Under Rule 119
When can a Philippine court reopen a criminal case before judgment? The rules require a hearing—and the Supreme Court has enforced that requirement.