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.
Judicial Responsibility: Timely Decisions and Accountability for Delays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases promptly, and accountability for undue delay.
When Civil Cases Don't Justify Travel Bans: The Limits of Hold Departure Orders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that hold departure orders may only be issued in criminal cases, not civil disputes like support cases.
Second Chances Denied: The High Cost of Procedural Missteps in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why "honest mistake" rarely justifies a new trial—and why procedural deadlines and rules are strictly enforced.
Mootness Doctrine and Acquittal: When Court Rulings Lose Relevance
Explaining when court rulings become moot and academic, and how acquittal affects pending criminal cases in the Philippines.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.
Disqualification After Election: Why the Second Placer Does Not Win and a Special Election Is the Remedy
When a winning candidate is disqualified after the election, the second placer cannot be declared the winner. A special election is the proper remedy, as explained in Ocampo v. HRET.
Paying Appellate Docket Fees on Time Is Mandatory for a Valid Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why paying appellate docket fees on time is mandatory, and what happens when an appeal is filed without them.
Lawyers Cannot Claim Ignorance of Basic Procedures to Abandon Client Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court rules a lawyer's claim of ignorance in filing a motion for reconsideration is no excuse for neglecting a client's case.
Possession After Foreclosure: Why the Buyer Wins the Writ of Possession
Buyers in extrajudicial foreclosure sales are entitled to possession of the property. The Supreme Court explains why in Samson v. Rivera.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Cornerstone of Fair Trial in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the right to speedy disposition of cases and why delays alone do not violate the Constitution.
Balancing Speed and Justice: The Constitutional Right to a Speedy Disposition of Cases
Understand the right to speedy disposition of cases, the balancing test for delay, and what Bernat v. Sandiganbayan means for litigants.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules When Amended Laws Affect Pending Cases
When procedural rules change mid-case, retroactivity applies. Learn how the Supreme Court resolved this in Siena Realty.
Judicial Accountability: Delay and Abuse of Authority in Search Warrant Issuance
A judge fined P15,000 for issuing a search warrant without authority and delaying resolution—lessons on judicial accountability.
Judicial Accountability in Unlawful Detainer Cases: The Montemayor Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in an ejectment case underscores the strict timelines and impartiality required of Philippine courts.
Judicial Stability vs Land Disputes: Resolving Conflicting Property Rights Claims
The Supreme Court explains how the doctrine of judicial stability bars courts from interfering with co-equal courts' judgments in property disputes.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for piercing the corporate veil and holding a parent liable for subsidiary obligations.
Mistake of Law vs Mistake of Fact: Grounds for Relief from Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only mistakes of fact, not errors of law, justify relief from judgment under Rule 38.
Upholding Barangay Dispute Resolutions Enforceability AND Timeframes FOR Amicable Settlements
The Supreme Court clarifies when barangay amicable settlements become final and how the six-month execution period under the Local Government Code should be counted.
Attorney Sanctioned for Neglecting Client’s Appeal: Lessons in Diligence
A lawyer who failed to file an appellant’s brief was suspended for six months. Learn the ethical rules that every Philippine attorney must follow.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Social Media Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Jurisdiction Over Civil Service Disputes: The CSC's Exclusive Role
Learn why the Civil Service Commission, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over personnel disputes involving government employees.
Defying Court Orders Corporate Officers Held Liable For Contempt AND Restitution
Corporate officers who defy court orders to return property can be held in contempt and ordered to pay restitution personally, even if a fire later destroys the property.
Equitable Mortgages Have No Redemption Right in Judicial Foreclosure for Private Mortgagees
In a judicial foreclosure of an equitable mortgage by a private lender, the mortgagor has no right of redemption after confirmation of sale.
DARAB Contempt Powers: Why Arrest Orders Must Come From Courts
The Supreme Court limits DARAB's contempt power—arrest orders for indirect contempt must come from the Regional Trial Court, not administrative bodies.