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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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.
Reinstating Appeals Substantial Justice Over Technicalities IN Perjury Cases
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: When a Reversed Labor Arbiter Ruling Still Means No Refund
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reinstatement pending appeal, payroll reinstatement, and when reversed labor arbiter decisions require no salary refund.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal Employees Right TO Wages Despite Subsequent Reversal
When a labor arbiter orders reinstatement pending appeal, the employee is entitled to wages even if the decision is later reversed on appeal.
Bail Pending Appeal After Conviction: Why Discretion Is Not Automatic
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Leviste v. Court of Appeals on bail pending appeal, judicial discretion, and the limits of certiorari.
Confessions to Barangay Peacekeepers Without Counsel Are Inadmissible Evidence
The Supreme Court rules that uncounselled confessions to bantay bayan members are inadmissible in evidence, but a rape conviction can still stand on other proof.
Valid Service of Summons on Residents Temporarily Abroad: The Palma Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substituted service of summons is valid for residents temporarily out of the country, and explains when voluntary appearance waives jurisdictional objections.
Finality of Election Protest Decisions: Protecting the Electorate's Will Over Technicalities
When election protest appeals are dismissed, the trial court's decision becomes final. COMELEC cannot issue injunctions against final judgments.
Status Quo Orders in Election Protests: COMELEC’s Power to Enjoin Execution Pending Appeal
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed COMELEC’s authority to maintain status quo and stop execution pending appeal in election protests.
Streamlining Justice: When Ombudsman Orders Are Final and Unappealable
Learn when Ombudsman decisions become final and unappealable in administrative cases, and why the Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals.
Ombudsman Decisions and the Limits of Appeal in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman rulings become final and unappealable, and why the Court of Appeals cannot touch a one-month suspension order.
Disbarment AND Impeachment Prioritizing Impeachment FOR Constitutional Officers
COMELEC En Banc Acts Without Jurisdiction in Election Appeal: Eriguel v. COMELEC
Supreme Court nullifies COMELEC en banc ruling in mayoralty protest for lack of jurisdiction and failure to ensure ballot integrity.
Enforced Disappearance Balancing Evidentiary Standards AND Government Accountability
Ombudsman Cannot Intervene in Appeals of Its Own Decisions: Impartiality in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court rules the Ombudsman cannot intervene in appeals of its own decisions, preserving impartiality in administrative cases.
When the Ombudsman Cannot Intervene in Appeals of Its Own Decisions
The Supreme Court rules the Ombudsman cannot intervene in appeals of its decisions, preserving its role as impartial adjudicator.
Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction: Filing a Motion Without Reservation Waives Objections to Improper Servic
Filing any motion seeking affirmative relief without expressly reserving a special appearance waives objections to improper service of summons.
Board Resolution Not Always Required for Corporate Verification in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may sign verification and certification against forum shopping without a board resolution.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Foreclosure Annulment
When a final judgment can be appealed, certiorari is not available. Learn the procedural rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Customs Bonds: Contractual Obligations vs Tax Collection Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that suits on customs bonds are contractual, not tax collection cases, so appeals go to the Court of Appeals.
Judicial Accountability: The Cost of Undue Delay in Resolving Motions
When a Court of Appeals justice sat on a motion for nearly three years, the Supreme Court imposed a fine, reaffirming that judges must decide cases promptly.
Landowners Can Withdraw Revalued Compensation Pending Agrarian Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court affirms landowners' right to withdraw revalued compensation pending appeal in agrarian cases, citing just and timely payment principle.
Upholding Timeliness in Tax Appeals: The Significance of Adhering to Statutory Deadlines
Learn how the Supreme Court reinforced strict compliance with statutory deadlines in tax appeals and why missing them can be fatal.
Finality of Judgments in Forcible Entry: Why Prohibited Motions Do Not Stop the Clock
A motion for reconsideration is prohibited in summary procedure cases and does not stop the appeal period. Learn the rules and the doctrine of immutability of judgments.