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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Duty to Inform Courts of Address Changes: Lessons from Garrucho v. Court of Appeals
When a party and counsel fail to notify courts of address changes, service is deemed complete—and appeals may be lost. Learn the rules.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Court Employee Suspended for Unauthorized Leave
Supreme Court suspends court stenographer for habitual absenteeism, stressing public office as a public trust and the duty to inform superiors of absences.
Upholding Accountability Consequences FOR Habitual Absenteeism IN Public Service
The Supreme Court rules on habitual absenteeism in public service, clarifying penalties, AWOL rules, and mitigating circumstances.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.
Contractual Intent Prevails Interpreting Interest Rates in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how courts interpret interest rates in loan agreements, emphasizing that clear contractual terms prevail over alleged intent.
Sheriff's Duty in Execution: Third-Party Claims and the Limits of Discretion
A sheriff who levies property must honor third-party claims and court orders staying execution. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a sheriff's discretion.
Union Busting Unveiled: Illegal Business Closure and Employee Rights
When can a business closure be illegal union busting? The Supreme Court explains employer liability and worker rights.
Judge Dismissed and Lawyer Suspended for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair and child born out of wedlock.
Direct Power Connection vs. Franchise Rights: The BATELEC II Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld direct power supply from NPC to a BOI-registered steel firm after the local electric cooperative failed to meet technical and financial standards.
Judicial Inefficiency: A Judge's Duty to Resolve Pending Matters Promptly
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delay in resolving incidents violates the Constitution and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Upholding Barangay Amicable Settlements: Enforceability and Timeliness
The Supreme Court affirms that barangay amicable settlements have the force of final judgments, and explains why delayed execution petitions fail.
Infrastructure Projects vs Property Rights: When Can the Government Proceed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts cannot issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects, even amid property rights claims.
Lis Pendens in Property Cases: When Courts May Cancel the Notice
A look at when courts may cancel a notice of lis pendens, using the Tongohan case to explain the limits of this protective remedy.
Judicial Accountability: Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions and Its Consequences
When judges fail to decide cases on time, justice is denied. Learn the rules, penalties, and lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Supreme Court Dismisses Judge for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Court Orders Promptly and Consequences of Dereliction
A sheriff's failure to implement a writ of demolition without delay constitutes dereliction of duty, warranting administrative penalties.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: When a Resignation Letter Holds Up in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is truly voluntary and not illegal dismissal, protecting employers who accept resignations in good faith.
Acquittal Based on Demurrer to Evidence: Limits and Exceptions in Philippine Law
When is an acquittal final? The Supreme Court explains the double jeopardy rule and its exception in People v. Sandiganbayan.
Who Represents the Republic: The Solicitor General's Exclusive Role Before the High Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the Solicitor General may represent government agencies before appellate courts, not their own legal offices.
Reliance on Subordinates as Good Faith Defense Against Gross Neglect of Duty Charges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when public officials may rely on subordinates' recommendations without incurring gross neglect liability.
Tax Assessment Validity: Strict Requirements for Waivers of the Statute of Limitations
Philippine Journalists, Inc. v. CIR clarifies that waivers of the tax prescription period must strictly comply with BIR regulations to be valid.
Proper Service of Notices to Counsel: A Due Process Requirement in Philippine Litigation
A notice sent to the wrong person is no notice at all. The Supreme Court explains why service to counsel matters.
Granting Bail Without Hearing: A Judge's Discretion and the Prosecution's Right to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges must conduct a hearing before granting bail, even in discretionary cases, to protect the prosecution's right to be heard.
Substantial Compliance Prevails Protecting Overseas Workers Rights Beyond Technicalities
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not defeat it, in overseas workers' claims.