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.
Lawyer Negligence Consequences and Duties in Philippine Legal Practice
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief is inexcusable negligence. The Supreme Court explains duties and penalties.
When Technicalities Yield to Justice: Procedural Lapses in Tax Appeals
The Supreme Court reminds the CTA that procedural rules must serve justice, not defeat it, in tax disputes.
The Perils of Belated Filings: When Courts Relax Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court balances strict procedural rules against substantial justice in Latogan v. People, a case on belated appeals and defective motions.
Untangling Defamation: Navigating Appeals and Evidence in Honor-Related Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the proper appellate route for prosecutor resolutions and the evidence needed for oral defamation cases.
Choosing the Right Path: Why Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and what this means for litigants.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: The Latogan Doctrine
The Supreme Court in Latogan v. People relaxed procedural rules to prevent a grave injustice, protecting a defendant's right to appeal a murder conviction.
Court Employee Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty
A Clerk III was dismissed from service for tampering with court records and failing to transmit case records to the Court of Appeals.
Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Duty of Diligence and Failing to File Appellant's Brief
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and update his address led to dismissal of his client's appeal and a six-month suspension.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Denials: Court of Appeals Holds Exclusive Certiorari Jurisdiction
Supreme Court clarifies that PDIC deposit insurance claim denials must be challenged via certiorari before the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Disputes: Court of Appeals Has Exclusive Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that petitions questioning PDIC denials of deposit insurance claims must be filed with the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
Where to Appeal PDIC Denials: The Rule on Jurisdiction After RA 10846
A denied deposit insurance claim must be challenged via certiorari before the Court of Appeals, not the RTC. This case explains the rule.
Usurpation of Authority: Delineating Official Functions and Good Faith in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the meaning of "forthwith" in impeachment proceedings, emphasizing the Senate's discretion in preparing for trial and the limits of judicial intervention.
Estoppel by Silence: When a Surety Cannot Question a Bail Bond's Validity
The Supreme Court rules a surety is estopped from questioning a bail bond's validity after remaining silent despite repeated notices.
Disbarment for Disrespect: Upholding Judicial Authority and Ethical Conduct in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for repeated abuse of court processes, dilatory tactics, and disrespect toward a Court of Appeals justice.
Jurisdictional Errors in Appeals: Barangay Officials and the Sandiganbayan
When appeals from RTC rulings on RA 3019 cases go to the wrong court, the Sandiganbayan holds exclusive appellate jurisdiction.
When Death Ends a Rape Conviction: The Rule on Death Pending Appeal
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains what happens to rape and lasciviousness convictions when the accused dies before final judgment.
Certiorari as a Remedy Against Default Judgments for Grave Abuse of Discretion
When can a party use certiorari instead of appeal to challenge a default judgment? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Corporate Ratification: When a Corporation Becomes Bound by Unauthorized Acts
A corporation's repeated payments can ratify an officer's unauthorized acts, binding the company to obligations it never expressly approved.
Involuntary Loss of Office Interrupts Term Limit: Tallado v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules that executing an Ombudsman dismissal order interrupts an official's term, even if appealed, preventing the three-term limit from applying.
Upholding Integrity Consequences FOR Notarizing Documents Without Personal Appearance 4
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for notarizing a deed without the parties' personal appearance, stressing notarization is not a routinary act.
Safeguarding Public Funds: The Ombudsman’s Authority in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman’s power to decide administrative cases and its standing to appeal, upholding findings of grave misconduct in a sham bidding.
Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto, but not other civil claims.
Dismissal for Neglect: Court Stenographers Must Submit Transcripts on Time
A stenographer who repeatedly fails to submit transcripts on time may be dismissed for gross neglect of duty, the Supreme Court ruled.
Interlocutory Orders and Appeals: When to Appeal a Judgment in Philippine Courts
Learn when a court ruling becomes appealable and why a party's right to appeal is not affected by another party's motion for reconsideration.