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.
Understanding the Limits of Garnishment in Tax Collection: Insights From the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that impeachment only removes an official from office, not forfeits retirement benefits without judicial conviction.
Navigating the Appeal Period for Labor Arbitration Decisions: A Guide for Filipino Workers
Learn the correct 15-day appeal period for voluntary arbitration awards under Rule 43, clarified by the Supreme Court in Suelo v. MST Marine Services.
Understanding the Extinguishment of Criminal Liability Upon Death: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruli
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability is extinguished. Learn the rules from a landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Ensuring Notarial Integrity: The Critical Role of Identity Verification in Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds notaries that failing to verify identity and personal appearance in property deeds carries severe penalties.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Rule on Appeals and Financial Assistance
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs of a deceased seafarer may claim disability benefits and when only financial assistance is due.
Timely Appeals in Philippine Courts: Lessons on Deadlines and Proof of Filing
A Supreme Court ruling on appeal deadlines, proving timely filing, and when courts may relax procedural rules for substantial justice.
Navigating the Timely Appeal of Voluntary Arbitration Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the correct appeal period for voluntary arbitration awards in the Philippines, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Roger V. Chin v. Maersk-Filipinas Crewing, Inc.
Understanding Disability Benefits for Seafarers: A Guide to Legal Rights and Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarer disability benefits, appeal periods, and the difference between CBA accident claims and POEA-SEC compensation.
Navigating Permanent Disability Claims: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when seafarers can claim permanent disability benefits under the POEA-SEC, the CBA, and appeal periods.
Execution Pending Appeal in Ejectment Cases: Immediate Judgment Enforcement in the Philippines
Learn how execution pending appeal works in Philippine ejectment cases, including the mandatory rule and key Supreme Court rulings.
Who May Appeal a Criminal Case Dismissal? The Rule on Private Complainants
A private complainant cannot question the dismissal of a criminal case; only the OSG may appeal the criminal aspect. Learn the rule.
Understanding the Crime of Using Falsified Documents in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the crime of using falsified documents, its elements, and why procedural rules matter in appeals.
Understanding the Limits of Private Complainants in Challenging Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat private complainants' appeals in criminal case dismissals, including standing and procedural rules.
Implied Repeal and Administrative Regulations: The CTPL Insurance Case
The Supreme Court explains when a new administrative regulation impliedly repeals an earlier one, using the CTPL insurance integration case as an example.
Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice in Criminal Appeals
The Supreme Court recalls an entry of judgment and reinstates a drug conviction appeal, showing when procedural lapses yield to substantive justice.
Chain of Custody and the Death of an Accused: Key Lessons from People v. Maylon
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Maylon on chain of custody in drug cases and the effect of an accused's death pending appeal.
Understanding the Finality of Court Decisions: When Is It Too Late to Appeal?
Learn the doctrine of immutability of final judgments in Philippine law and when courts may clarify a final decision to carry it into effect.
Navigating Appeals in Multi-Defendant Cases: Understanding the Proper Remedies Under Philippine Law
Learn the proper remedies when appealing summary proceedings like presumptive death declarations under Philippine law, explained clearly.
Forum Shopping and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from a 2020 Disbarment Case
A lawyer's suspension for forum shopping shows how filing repeated cases over the same dispute violates legal ethics and court rules.
Understanding the Impact of Timely Appeals on Land Registration Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles land registration appeals, the importance of timely filing, and key procedural rules.
Understanding Contempt of Court and the Consequences of Repeated Legal Harassment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts penalize grave misconduct by judicial employees, including dismissal and forfeiture of benefits, to protect the integrity of the justice system.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Municipality of Bakun v. Municipality of Sugpon
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how local government boundary disputes are appealed, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice.
Teasing in the Public Sector: When a Joke Becomes Simple Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace teasing crosses the line into simple misconduct, and why dismissal may be warranted for repeat offenses.
Understanding Procedural Missteps in Philippine Legal Appeals: The Gallego Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when procedural lapses in appeals may be relaxed in favor of substantive justice, especially in illegal dismissal cases.