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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Motion for Reconsideration: An Essential Step Before Certiorari
Learn why the Supreme Court requires a motion for reconsideration before filing a petition for certiorari, and the exceptions to this rule.
Future Inheritance Contracts Are Void: Arrogante v. Deliarte Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts over future inheritance, and the exceptions that can save family property arrangements.
Motion for Reconsideration: Your Non-Negotiable First Step in Appealing NLRC Decisions
Before filing a certiorari petition against an NLRC ruling, a motion for reconsideration is mandatory. Learn the rule, exceptions, and consequences.
Finality of Judgments: Why Courts Cannot Revisit Decided Cases
Explore the doctrine of finality of judgments in Philippine law, its rationale, exceptions, and practical implications for litigants.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why the Principal Party Must Sign and When Courts Relax the Rule
Philippine courts require the principal party to sign the certification against forum shopping. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and practical lessons from Abaigar v. Abaigar.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip the Bureaucracy and Go to Court
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies and its exceptions, using a GSIS dismissal case as an example.
When Judges Must Dismiss Cases: The 90-Day Rule and Judicial Accountability in the Philippines
Philippine judges have a constitutional 90-day period to decide cases. This article explains the rule, its exceptions, and what happens when judges delay.
Certiorari Without Motion for Reconsideration: Exceptions Under Rule 65
Learn when Philippine courts allow a direct petition for certiorari without a prior motion for reconsideration, based on the PAL-PESALA case.
Final Judgment in Philippine Courts: Why It's Nearly Impossible to Change and What It Means for You
A final and executory judgment is immutable. Learn why courts can't modify it, the narrow exceptions, and what this means for property owners.
When Misconduct Means NO Separation PAY Understanding Employee Rights IN The Philippines
Philippine law on separation pay when an employee is dismissed for misconduct. Learn the rules and exceptions.
Tax Credit Claims: Time Limits and Exceptions for Advance Payments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax credit claims for advance income tax payments, and when the two-year prescriptive period may not apply.
Foreign Land Ownership Restrictions in the Philippines: Constitutional Limits Explained
Philippine law bars foreigners from owning private land, with narrow exceptions. This article explains the rule through a landmark Supreme Court case.
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.
Water District Board Compensation: Per Diems, Additional Benefits, and COA Disallowances
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district directors may receive only per diems under PD 198, with limited exceptions for good faith recipients.
Acquittal Based on Demurrer to Evidence: Limits and Exceptions in Philippine Law
When is an acquittal final? The Supreme Court explains the double jeopardy rule and its exception in People v. Sandiganbayan.
Perfecting Appeals THE Strict Timeline AND Exceptions IN Philippine LAW
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the strict deadlines for appeals and the limited exceptions, guiding litigants on procedural compliance.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Mandatory Bond Requirement and Its Exceptions
Learn why posting an appeal bond is mandatory in labor cases, when exceptions apply, and how a motion to reduce bond affects the appeal period.
Dismissal of Appeal: Client Bound by Counsel’s Negligence and Failure to Comply with Procedural Rules
When a lawyer’s negligence causes a missed appeal deadline, the client is still bound. Learn the rules and exceptions.
The Sanctity of the Home Safeguarding Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures
Philippine law protects homes from unlawful searches and seizures. Learn the rules, exceptions, and remedies for violations.
Upholding Property Rights The Prescriptive Period For Reconveyance Actions
When does an action for reconveyance prescribe? The Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year rule and its exceptions in this important ruling.
When a Lawyer's Mistake Can Be Excused: Client Rights and Attorney Negligence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when attorney negligence binds clients, and the exceptions that protect clients from a lawyer's gross mistakes.
Motion for Reconsideration Exceptions in Certiorari Petitions: The Abraham Case
When is a motion for reconsideration not required before filing certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the exceptions in Abraham v. NLRC.
Raffle of Cases With Injunction Prayers: Notice Rules and Exceptions
When can a case with an injunction prayer be raffled without notice to all parties? The Supreme Court explains the exceptions.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: Timely Payment in Philippine Courts
When must docket fees be paid for a court to acquire jurisdiction? The Supreme Court explains the rule and its equitable exceptions.