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.
Lawyer's Neglect of Client's Case Warrants Suspension from Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to file position paper and attend hearings before the Social Security Commission.
Libel Venue: Where Does the Case Belong Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel venue rules under Article 360, RPC—where to file cases and why allegations matter.
Unlawful Detainer: A Tenant's Admissions and the Inevitable Ejectment
In Mendoza v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court ruled that a tenant's own admissions in pleadings can seal an ejectment case.
Attorney Negligence and Suspension: Lessons from Abiero v. Juanino
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal led to a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical duties and consequences.
Lawyers Must Uphold Diligence and Fidelity in Legal Representation
A lawyer who fails to file an appellate brief faces suspension. The Supreme Court affirms that neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Perjury and Probable Cause: When Sworn Statements Fall Short of Falsehood
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of perjury and the limits of probable cause in criminal complaints before the Ombudsman.
Why Deadlines Matter in Appeals: The Rule on Inexcusable Neglect
A one-day late appeal cost a company its case. Learn the strict rule on reglementary periods and inexcusable neglect in Philippine appeals.
Duty to Inform Courts of Address Changes: Lessons from Garrucho v. Court of Appeals
When a party and counsel fail to notify courts of address changes, service is deemed complete—and appeals may be lost. Learn the rules.
Proper Service of Notices to Counsel: A Due Process Requirement in Philippine Litigation
A notice sent to the wrong person is no notice at all. The Supreme Court explains why service to counsel matters.
Implied Admission: The Decisive Impact of Uncontested Requests in Philippine Courts
How a sheriff's failure to file a comment led to a finding of dishonesty and dismissal from service.
Losing an Appeal: The Critical Importance of Meeting Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Learn how missing court deadlines can cost you your appeal, and what the QBE Insurance case teaches about procedural rules.
Perfected Sales vs. Recovery of Property: Understanding Real Actions in Philippine Law
When is a suit for specific performance actually a real action for recovery of property? The Supreme Court clarifies in Jimenez v. Jordana.
Corporate Authority and Timely Filing: Navigating Court Procedures in Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authorization and filing deadlines in land dispute appeals.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Misrepresentation to Client
A lawyer who failed to file a petition for review and misled his client about the case's status was suspended for four months and ordered to refund P5,000.
Recovering Ill-Gotten Wealth: The State's Right to Sue Public Officials' Heirs
The Supreme Court affirms the State's right to recover ill-gotten wealth from the heirs of public officials, free from prescription, laches, or estoppel.
Estoppel in Questioning Jurisdiction: Participating in Trial Bars Later Challenges
The Supreme Court rules that a party who actively participates in trial and seeks affirmative relief is estopped from questioning the court's jurisdiction on appeal.
The Limits of Judicial Relief: Why a Court Can't Grant What You Didn't Ask For
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who fail to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Who Must Sign and Why It Matters
Learn who must sign the certification against forum shopping in Philippine cases, and why a defective signature can get a case dismissed.
Supreme Court Reinstates NLRC Ruling on Belated Labor Appeal: Timeliness Matters
SC ruling clarifies that belated appeals to the NLRC cannot be excused by mere merit arguments, reaffirming strict procedural rules.
How Court Deadlines and Extensions Are Computed: The Luz Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies how extensions of time are counted in Philippine courts, and when liberal interpretation may save a late filing.
Illegal Recruitment Testimonial Evidence Trumps Lack OF Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment cases where testimonial evidence outweighs the absence of receipts or documentary proof.
When Language Barriers Invalidate Estate Settlement Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on when signing an English document without understanding it can void an estate settlement under Article 1332.
Voluntary Submission: How Filing a Motion Can Establish Court Jurisdiction
Filing any motion without objecting to jurisdiction can constitute voluntary submission to a Philippine court's authority over a defendant's person.
Standing to Sue, Co-Ownership Authority, and the Demurrer to Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner may sue alone and why lack of authority is not a ground for demurrer to evidence.