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.
Withdrawal of Information vs Dismissal: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when a motion to withdraw information is final, and how prosecutors must weigh both sides in preliminary investigation.
The Counter Bond Conundrum: Ensuring Fair Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts should compute counter-bonds to discharge preliminary attachment, preventing excessive demands on debtors.
Notice of Lis Pendens: When a Contract to Sell Justifies Annotation on Title
Learn when a notice of lis pendens may be annotated on a property title, even in a contract to sell dispute, based on Romero v. Court of Appeals.
When Is a Judge Liable for Ignorance of the Law? Lessons from Barredo-Fuentes v. Albarracin
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges are not liable for mere legal errors absent bad faith, and warns against harassment suits.
Double Jeopardy and Amendment of Information: Protecting Accused Rights After Conviction
Supreme Court rules on double jeopardy when prosecution tries to amend information after conviction and probation application.
Reliance on Subordinates Limits Liability for Falsification in Public Office
When can public officials rely on subordinates? Nava v. NBI clarifies limits of liability for falsification through reckless imprudence.
Execution Pending Appeal: The Imperative of Good Reasons in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine courts grant execution pending appeal only for compelling reasons. Learn the rule, the exceptions, and practical takeaways.
Mootness Doctrine Resolving Disputes After A Corporations Dissolution
When a corporation dissolves mid-litigation, courts must decide if the case is moot. Learn the doctrine's application.
Finality of Judgment: When Labor Decisions Become Unchangeable
Learn when labor case decisions become final and unchangeable, and why courts require clear factual findings before ruling on employer liability.
Extraterritorial Service of Summons: Due Process for Non-Resident Defendants
Philippine courts must strictly comply with rules on extraterritorial service of summons before declaring non-resident defendants in default.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite Before Court Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why exhaustion of administrative remedies and motion for reconsideration are mandatory before judicial recourse.
Habeas Corpus A Limited Remedy FOR Violations OF Speedy Trial Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus is not the proper remedy to enforce speedy trial rights, explaining available legal options.
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.
Preliminary Injunctions Preserve Status Quo, Not Final Judgments — Key Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains why preliminary injunction orders are interlocutory, unappealable, and need not state full facts and law.
Res Judicata and Annulment of Titles: DBP v. La Campana Development Corporation
When does a prior final judgment bar a new case? The Supreme Court explains res judicata's limits in DBP v. La Campana.
State Control vs Foreign Assistance: The Scope of Mining Agreements Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign-assisted mining agreements under Article XII must preserve state control, not bar foreign participation.
Court Orders Are Not Requests: Disciplinary Action for Lawyers Who Disregard Them
A lawyer's failure to obey court and IBP orders is disrespect for the judiciary and can draw disciplinary sanctions.
Custodial Rights Under Forest Management Agreements and Confiscated Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who holds custody of confiscated forest products and conveyances under IFMA and DENR deputization.
When the Ombudsman Dismisses a Graft Complaint: The Limits of Judicial Review
Explore Samson v. Ombudsman, where the Court upheld the Ombudsman's dismissal of a graft complaint for lack of probable cause, clarifying the limits of certiorari and mandamus.
Upholding Employee Rights When Supervisor Instructions Shield Against Dismissal for Disobedience
Philippine Supreme Court rules an employee following supervisor orders in good faith cannot be dismissed for willful disobedience.
Judge's Erroneous Release of Supersedeas Bond and Rental Deposits in Ejectment Case
A judge who allowed a defendant to withdraw the supersedeas bond and rental deposits pending appeal in an ejectment case was held liable for gross ignorance of the law.
Judicial Independence vs Executive Discretion in Criminal Prosecution: The Santos v. Orda Ruling
When may a court grant a prosecutor's motion to withdraw an information? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial deference to the DOJ.
Judicial Immunity Shielding Judges From Baseless Administrative Complaints
When can judges be disciplined for erroneous rulings? The Supreme Court clarifies judicial immunity and the limits of administrative complaints.
Appeal vs Certiorari: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Recourse in the Philippines
Learn when to file an appeal versus a certiorari petition under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Andalis v. Court of Appeals.