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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The Binding Nature of Counsel's Negligence: Upholding Procedural Rules in Labor Appeals
Explore how the Supreme Court addressed appeal bond requirements and procedural rules in labor cases, balancing technicalities with substantial justice.
When Substantial Justice Prevails Over Late Appeal Briefs: Bigornia v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court reinstates an appeal dismissed for a late brief, holding that procedural rules serve—not suppress—substantial justice.
When Failure to Appear at Pre-Trial Does Not Merit Dismissal: Lessons from Anson Trade Center v. Pacific Banki
The Supreme Court clarifies when a plaintiff's non-appearance at pre-trial may be excused, balancing procedural rules against substantial justice.
When Late Appeal Briefs Are Allowed: Substantial Justice Over Technical Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late filing of an appellant's brief may be excused in the interest of substantial justice.
Supreme Court: Technicalities Should Not Defeat Substantial Justice in Land Disputes
SC rules procedural lapses should not bar resolution of land dispute on merits, remanding case to Office of the President.
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.
Substantial Justice Prevails When Courts Relax Procedural Rules To Correct Errors AND Ensure Fairness
The Supreme Court explains when procedural rules yield to substantial justice, and when a lease renewal option requires full agreement.
Ejectment and the Torrens Title: Why a Church's Title Prevailed Over a Former Pastor's Claim
A Supreme Court ruling on ejectment, Torrens titles, and why procedural lapses may be excused to serve substantial justice.
The Fresh Period Rule: Reinterpreting Appeal Deadlines for Fair Adjudication
The Supreme Court clarifies the fresh period rule, allowing appeals within 15 days from denial of reconsideration, promoting substantial justice.
Finality vs Appeal: When an Unreadable Decision Tolls the Appeal Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unreadable court decision interrupts the appeal period, balancing procedural rules against substantial justice.
Judicial Accountability Upholding Timeliness in Case Resolution
Supreme Court rules on appeal timeliness when served unreadable decision copies, prioritizing substantial justice over technicalities.
Dismissal of Appeals: Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not defeat it, in dismissing appeals on technical grounds.
When Can a Court Reinstate a Dismissed Appeal: Procedural Lapses in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when procedural lapses in appeals may be overlooked to serve substantial justice, with rules on prescription of mortgage actions.
Substantial Justice Prevails SC Remands Carp Exemption Case Despite Procedural Lapses
SC explains when procedural lapses yield to substantial justice in labor cases, and reinstates the rule on employer liability.
Substantial Justice Prevails Understanding Motions FOR Extension AND Notice Requirements IN Philippine Appeals
When a defective motion for extension can still save an appeal, and when execution pending appeal is premature in ejectment cases.
Procedural Rules vs Substantial Justice: When Technicalities Take a Backseat
The Supreme Court affirms that minor procedural lapses in appellate briefs should not trump substantive rights and substantial justice.
Docket Fees and Dismissal: Balancing Procedural Rules With Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that appellate courts may relax procedural rules on briefs to serve substantial justice, not strict technicality.
Substantial Compliance Prevails Reinstating Appeals Despite Technical Defects
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective certifications against forum shopping may be excused in appeals, balancing procedural rules with substantial justice.
Substantial Justice vs Procedural Rigidity: Reinstating Labor Rights Despite Technicalities
When can courts relax procedural rules in labor cases? Panaga v. Court of Appeals explains the balance between technical compliance and substantial justice.
Res Judicata in Philippine Courts: When Substantial Justice Overrides Procedural Bars
The Supreme Court explains when res judicata may yield to substantial justice, using De Leon v. Balinag as a guide.
Substantial Justice Prevails When Philippine Courts Relax Procedural Rules IN Labor Disputes
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules to achieve substantial justice, as shown in this administrative case against a judge.
Procedural Compliance in Philippine Litigation: The PPSTA Case on Court Rules
A Supreme Court ruling shows why procedural rules matter—and when courts may relax them for substantial justice.
Substantial Justice Prevails Understanding Court Discretion On Late Filing Of Appellants Briefs In The Philipp
Learn how Philippine courts exercise discretion on late filing of appellants' briefs, balancing procedural rules with substantial justice.
Appeal Not Automatically Dismissed for Minor Docket Fee Shortage Upholding Substantial Justice
SC rules appeal not automatically dismissed for minor docket fee shortage; substantial justice prevails over procedural technicalities.