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.
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Positive Identification and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Clarifying Witness Credibility
People v. Martin shows how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification, alibi, conspiracy, and damages in a murder conviction and appeal.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules in Filing Extensions
A second motion for reconsideration is a prohibited pleading that does not toll the appeal period. Learn the rules on perfecting appeals.
The Perils of Untimely Appeals: Adherence to Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Explore how strict procedural rules shape Philippine labor cases, from appeal deadlines to due process in dismissals.
Motion Denied: Why a Defective Notice Dooms an Appeal in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective verification, missing proof of authority, and improper counsel representation can derail appeals in Philippine courts.
Psychological Incapacity and Conjugal Property: Understanding Marital Obligations and Asset Division in Philip
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity voids a marriage and how conjugal assets are divided, using Laurena v. Court of Appeals.
Safeguarding Due Process in Administrative Proceedings: The Ruivivar Case
Explaining when Ombudsman decisions are final and unappealable, and how due process is preserved in administrative cases.
Suretyship Perfected Surety Liable Despite Appeal Rejection
A surety bond is perfected upon issuance, not upon the appeal's success. Learn the Supreme Court's ruling in Quiamco v. Capital Insurance.
Finality OF Awards THE Importance OF Following Appeal Procedures IN Land Disputes
When Can the Ombudsman Intervene in Appeals of Its Decisions
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's right to intervene in appeals of its administrative decisions and the effect of appeals on execution.
Judicial Ethics and the Price of Impropriety: Lessons from the Court of Appeals Controversy
The Supreme Court's ruling on the CA justices' conduct in the Meralco-GSIS case underscores the strict standards of judicial ethics and propriety.
Perfecting Appeals: The Indispensable Bond in Labor Disputes
Learn why posting a cash or surety bond is a mandatory requirement for perfecting an appeal from the Labor Arbiter to the NLRC.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Why Missing the Deadline Is Fatal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an employer's failure to post an appeal bond within 10 days makes a Labor Arbiter's decision final and executory.
Appealability OF Interlocutory Orders Understanding THE Limits IN TAX Court Proceedings
Navigating Appeals in Estate Settlements: Avoiding Forum Shopping Pitfalls
Learn when Philippine courts allow separate appeals and certiorari petitions in estate cases without committing forum shopping.
Twin Resolutions and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Heirs of Valdez v. Court of Appeals
When a court issues two conflicting resolutions on the same day, what happens to the case and the forum shopping rule? The Supreme Court explains.
Substantial Compliance Upholding Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Labor Disputes
In Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation v. Garchitorena, the Supreme Court ruled that substantial compliance with procedural rules can prevent outright dismissal of appeals.
Fresh Period Rule and Appeal Deadlines After a Motion for Reconsideration
Explaining the fresh period rule for appeals, its retroactive effect, and why the wrong remedy still fails in Makati Insurance v. Reyes.
Certiorari Not the Remedy to Appeal Disqualification Rulings After Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot replace appeal in challenging a judge's denial of a motion for inhibition after final judgment.
Contract Validity and Prescription: Lessons from Dailisan v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court upheld a notarized deed of sale because the heirs failed to seek annulment within four years, and partition does not prescribe for a co-owner.
Dismissal of Appeal When Technical Rules Trump Substantial Justice
When do procedural lapses justify dismissing an appeal? This article explains the rule and its limits, using Philippine Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Finality of Judgment: When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Deny Due Process
A dismissed employee's late appeal fails as the Supreme Court upholds finality of judgment despite counsel's negligence.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Accountability for Delays in Case Transmittal
Court holds clerk of court and judge liable for 16-month delay in transmitting appeal records, affirming strict timelines under Rule 40.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Observance of Timelines in Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict appeal deadlines in labor cases and why missing them is fatal to a party's cause.