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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Decoding Independent Contractors When Control Determines Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer-employee relationship tests and the mandatory certificate of non-forum shopping in NLRC appeals.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: When Prosecution Appeals Are Barred
The Supreme Court explains when the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal and why certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: Protecting the Accused in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the double jeopardy rule protects accused persons when courts grant demurrers to evidence, and why prosecutors cannot simply appeal acquittals.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Dishonored Check and Disregard of Court Processes
A.C. No. 8390: Lawyer suspended two years for issuing a bouncing check and repeatedly ignoring court and IBP orders.
Appeal Dismissed: The Imperative of Timely Docket Fee Payment in Philippine Courts
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on docket fees, emphasizing the strict requirement for timely payment to perfect an appeal in Philippine courts.
When a Client Relieves Counsel: Withdrawal of Appeal and Compromise Agreements
A look at Bautista v. Seraph Management Group, Inc. on withdrawal of appeals, relieving counsel, and the validity of compromise agreements.
Client’s Right to Terminate Counsel and Withdraw Appeal: Bautista v. Seraph Management
Supreme Court affirms a client’s absolute right to fire counsel and withdraw an appeal, even if the lawyer doubts the client’s decision.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Justice Despite Fugitive Status and Evidentiary Challenges
Supreme Court affirms kidnap-for-ransom conviction, dismisses fugitive's appeal, and clarifies damages awards under Philippine law.
Fresh Period Rule in Administrative Cases: Panolino v. Tajala Explained
When does the Neypes fresh period rule apply? The Supreme Court clarifies it does not govern DENR administrative appeals.
Timeliness Matters: Appealing Election Protests and the Strict Application of Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court ruled that late appeals in election protests are fatal, even when the trial court erred on venue.
Extraordinary Diligence IN Enforced Disappearances THE Burgos Case AND THE Writ OF Amparo
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When Repeated Motions Delay Justice
Philippine National Bank v. Intestate Estate of Francisco de Guzman clarifies res judicata, forum shopping, and the limits of repeated motions to dismiss.
Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Philippine Courts
Learn when certiorari can replace an appeal in Philippine procedure, and how the Supreme Court treats loss of trust and confidence in dismissals.
Timely Justice Determining THE Correct Appeal Method IN Land Valuation Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved the proper appeal method and interest computation in land valuation cases under CARP.
Balancing Justice and Procedure: When Technicalities Yield to Equity in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when procedural rules prevail over equitable arguments in criminal appeals involving the Ombudsman.
When Can Courts Relax Procedural Rules? The Go v. Chaves Appeal Ruling
The Supreme Court reinstates an appeal dismissed on technical grounds, explaining when courts may relax procedural rules in the interest of substantial justice.
When Modified Judgments Can Be Appealed: Protecting Litigants' Rights
Learn when a modified Court of Appeals decision is appealable to the Supreme Court and how litigants' rights are protected in civil procedure.
Substantial Justice Over Strict Procedure in Agrarian Appeals: DARAB Rules Liberally Construed
SC rules DARAB notices of appeal should be liberally construed; technical defects must not defeat substantial justice in agrarian cases.
Appeals From the NWRB: Clarifying Jurisdiction Between the RTC and Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from National Water Resources Board decisions go to the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
Execution Pending Appeal Safeguarding Electoral Mandates AND Preventing Abuse OF Discretion
Election Integrity: The Balance Between Ballot Preservation and Voter Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC execution pending appeal, ballot appreciation, and the delicate balance between election integrity and voter rights.
Father's Death During Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Supreme Court explains how a father's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto under Article 89.
When a Holiday Should Stop a Judge From Dismissing a Case: Senarlo v. Paderanga
A judge who dismissed a case for non-appearance on a declared holiday was found liable for simple misconduct. Learn the rules on mediation, pre-trial, and dismissals.