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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Certiorari as an Improper Substitute for Appeal: Jurisdictional Errors in Philippine Law
When can a party use certiorari instead of appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of Rule 65 remedies.
Certiorari as an Improper Substitute for Appeal: A Primer on Philippine Procedural Remedies
Why a Rule 65 petition cannot replace a lost appeal, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Rigor v. Court of Appeals.
The Fresh Period Rule: Resetting Appeal Deadlines After a Motion for Reconsideration
Learn how the Fresh Period Rule gives litigants a new 15-day window to appeal after a motion for reconsideration is denied.
Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute: When Procedural Lapses Cost the Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies dismissal for failure to prosecute, final orders, appeal remedies, and the mandatory 15-day period for motions for reconsideration.
Arbitration Decisions in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Appeal Options Explained
Learn how to properly appeal arbitration awards in the Philippines, including which court has jurisdiction and the correct remedies available.
Appeal Dismissed: Choosing the Correct Court for Legal Questions
A bank's appeal from an arbitration award was dismissed for being filed in the wrong court. Learn the proper remedies under Philippine law.
When Counsel's Error Binds the Client: Lessons from Tan v. Court of Appeals
A client is bound by counsel's mistakes, including missed appeal deadlines. Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Cases: When "Good Reasons" Are Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal in election cases is allowed and why "good reasons" must be clearly established.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: Understanding the Limits of Appealing Acquittals
The Supreme Court clarifies when double jeopardy attaches in Philippine criminal cases, using a Sandiganbayan conditional arraignment case as the focal point.
Untangling Tax Assessment Appeals: Deadlines and Excusable Neglect
A bank missed the 30-day window to appeal its tax assessment to the CTA. The Supreme Court explains why deadlines are jurisdictional and when relief is unavailable.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Understanding Docket Fee Payment Requirements in the Philippines
Learn the rules on docket fee payment for appeals in the Philippines, including timing, amount, and consequences of non-payment.
Lost Appeal: Why Missing Deadlines in Philippine Courts Can Be Fatal to Your Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows how missed deadlines and a wrong remedy can end a case permanently, even with a meritorious appeal.
Why Exhausting Administrative Remedies Matters in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling why skipping administrative appeals before going to court can be fatal to a property case.
Supreme Court on Lost Appeals: Certiorari Cannot Replace a Missed Appeal
The Supreme Court rules that a petition for certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, affirming dismissal of a case for procedural lapses.
Navigating Philippine Courts: Forum Shopping and the Writ of Prohibition
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on forum shopping, the writ of prohibition, and judicial hierarchy in Montes v. Court of Appeals.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Immediately
Philippine Supreme Court explains when execution pending appeal is allowed and why "good reasons" must be compelling, not merely convenient.
Service of Summons on Corporate Employees: What Aboitiz v. PCIC Teaches About Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when service of summons on a corporate employee is valid and why a Rule 38 petition for relief is not a substitute for appeal.
Peaceful Assembly in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Permit Requirements After Bayan v. Ermita
The Supreme Court upheld the permit requirement for rallies but struck down the Calibrated Preemptive Response policy. Learn your rights.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Understanding Proper Remedies in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Learn the difference between certiorari and appeal in Philippine labor cases, and why choosing the wrong remedy can cost you your case.
Jumping Bail in the Philippines: Why Absconding Can Cost You Your Appeal — Lessons from Alva v. Court of Appea
Can fleeing while on bail kill your appeal? The Supreme Court says yes. Learn the rules from Alva v. Court of Appeals.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Backwages Only for Bad Faith Termination
Learn when reinstated government employees can claim backwages, and why procedural rules on appeals must still be followed.
Why 15 Days Matter: Appeal Deadlines in HLURB Real Estate Cases
A missed 15-day appeal deadline in HLURB cases is fatal. Learn the rule from United Overseas Bank v. Ching.
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.
Missed Deadline Understanding Counsel OF Record IN Philippine Courts AND Valid Service OF Court Decisions
When does a lawyer's receipt of a court decision bind the client? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on counsel of record and appeal deadlines.