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.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: The Tallado v. Racoma Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter, not administrative misconduct, and warns against harassment suits.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws: When a Final Sentence Can Be Modified
Explore when favorable penal laws apply retroactively and whether a final sentence can be modified, based on People v. Caco.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip It
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may excuse failure to exhaust administrative remedies, and why premature court actions get dismissed.
Who Can Represent a Municipality in Court: The Ramos Doctrine on Unauthorized Counsel
Philippine law limits who may represent a municipality in lawsuits. Learn the rules, exceptions, and effects of unauthorized private counsel appearances.
Losing Control: Understanding Loss of Jurisdiction After Appeal in Philippine Courts
When a case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction. This administrative case explains the rule and its limits.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal in the Philippines: Rights and Limits After Conviction
Can a convicted person withdraw a criminal appeal in the Philippines? People v. Redulosa explains the right, limits, and consequences.
Laches and Prescription in Land Cases: What the Supreme Court Said in Españo v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court explains why laches and prescription are factual defenses that usually require full trial, not summary dismissal.
Ombudsman's Power to Prosecute: Understanding Its Limits and Scope in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute public officials under R.A. 6770, clarifying constitutional limits.
Justice Delayed: The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that a six-year delay by the Ombudsman violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, citing Angchangco.
Death Penalty in the Philippines: Compelling Reasons and Heinous Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the death penalty applies for heinous crimes and why reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty under Philippine law.
Judicial Recusal: Understanding Bias and Impartiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must inhibit and why late motions to disqualify are frowned upon.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure Venue: Why Judges Must Follow Act 3135, Not the Rules of Court
A judge's fine for gross ignorance of the law clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure venue follows Act 3135, not general venue rules.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip the Line to Court?
Learn when the exhaustion rule applies, its exceptions, and why a replevin suit failed against DENR forfeiture.
Contract Bar Rule Explained: Certification Elections and CBAs in the Philippines
Learn how the contract bar rule limits certification elections during a CBA's term, based on the Formey Plastic case.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Just Compensation and Due Process
Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in eminent domain cases, focusing on just compensation and due process requirements.
Affidavits of Desistance and Witness Recantations: Their Limited Impact on Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine courts view affidavits of desistance and witness recantations with disfavor. Learn why from People v. Ballabare.
Employee Transfers: Understanding Employer Rights and Limits in the Philippines
Learn the rules on employee transfers in the Philippines—when employers can validly transfer workers and what limits the law imposes.
Copyright Infringement: Protecting IP Rights and the Prospectivity of New Rules
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on search warrants in copyright cases and why new judicial doctrines apply prospectively.
Navigating Appeals in Philippine Administrative Law: Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Remedies
The Supreme Court clarifies appellate jurisdiction over PNP disciplinary cases, exhaustion of remedies, and administrative law principles in Cabada v. Alunan.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: When Can They Be Reduced
Learn when Philippine courts may reduce appeal bonds in labor cases, the rules on perfecting appeals, and practical tips for compliance.
Religious Freedom vs Censorship: Balancing Rights in Philippine Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court ruled that the MTRCB may review religious TV programs but cannot ban them merely for criticizing other religions.
PCGG Sequestration Orders: Due Process and Valid Authority Requirements
The Supreme Court rules that PCGG sequestration orders require at least two Commissioners and a prima facie showing, protecting due process rights.
Immediate Reinstatement Pending Appeal: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the immediate executory nature of reinstatement orders pending appeal under Article 223 of the Labor Code.