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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Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals The High Cost Of Late Docket Fees In Philippine Courts
Learn how paying appellate docket fees late can cost you your appeal, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Discretion vs Neglect: Balancing Speed and Justice in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when appellate courts may disturb factual findings and how negligence is proven in quasi-delict cases under Philippine law.
Delay and Damages Interest on Obligations in Compromise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when legal interest accrues on unpaid compromise agreement obligations and the effect of delay.
Dismissal for Late Docket Fee Payment: Strict Timelines in Certiorari Petitions
Learn how late docket fee payment and wrong remedy choices can doom certiorari petitions, based on Mercado v. Court of Appeals.
When Judges Face Administrative Complaints: The Limits of Judicial Audits and Harassment Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors by judges are judicial matters, not administrative offenses, and warns against harassment suits.
Beyond Irritants: Psychological Incapacity and the Limits of Marital Dissolution in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital irritants and incompatibility do not amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Challenging Search Warrants: The Judge's Personal Assessment Requirement
Learn how the Supreme Court requires judges to personally examine complainants and witnesses before issuing search warrants, and why this protects citizens' rights.
Navigating Anti-Graft Law: The Balance Between Undue Injury and Unwarranted Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies the two modes of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law, guiding public officers and prosecutors.
Breach of Warranty: Proving Hidden Defects in Animal Feed Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what buyers must prove to claim breach of warranty for hidden defects in animal feed.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Barza v. Dinglasan Ruling
The Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless the negligence is so gross it deprives the client of the day in court.
Civilian Supremacy Prevails Military Court Jurisdiction Limited By Service-Connected Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies military court jurisdiction is limited to service-connected offenses, upholding civilian court authority over non-military crimes.
Judicial Misconduct When Orders Reflect Bias AND Compromise Impartiality
Supreme Court fines judge for gross ignorance, grave misconduct, and bias in issuing irregular orders favoring a party's counsel.
Perfecting Appeals THE Strict Timeline AND Exceptions IN Philippine LAW
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the strict deadlines for appeals and the limited exceptions, guiding litigants on procedural compliance.
Judicial Overreach: When Courts Issue Injunctions Beyond Territorial Limits
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines judge for issuing injunctions beyond territorial jurisdiction, violating due process and contempt rules.
Perfecting Land Titles: Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945 Required for Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judicial confirmation of imperfect land titles requires open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945.
Executive Judges Cannot Overrule a Judge's Voluntary Inhibition
Supreme Court clarifies that executive judges lack authority to reverse a judge's voluntary inhibition, which is a judicial act reserved for the Court.
Prescription in Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Really Start Ticking
Learn how Philippine courts determine when the prescriptive period for graft cases begins, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.
Contract Termination Unilateral Right NOT Implied Absent Express Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a party cannot unilaterally terminate a contract unless the right is expressly stipulated or a substantial breach is proven.
Court Employees Must Avoid Even the Appearance of Impropriety: Balajadia v. Gatchalian
The Supreme Court fined a court stenographer P3,000 for simple misconduct after she hinted at a "commission" in exchange for faster work.
Lawyer Suspended Six Months for Neglect and Failure to Return Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P30,000 in fees.
Loan Agreements and Legal Interest: Written Requirements and Civil Liability After Acquittal
Explaining Eusebio-Calderon v. People: why oral interest agreements are void, when acquittal still leaves civil liability, and the legal interest rules.
Upholding Candor: Attorney Suspended for Misleading Statements to the Court
A lawyer who filed a motion to withdraw citing workload, then swore he lied to hide judicial bias, was suspended one year for violating the lawyer's oath.
Perfecting Contracts: Consent and the Statute of Frauds in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains when letters become a binding share sale contract and what the Statute of Frauds requires.
Custodial Rights Under Forest Management Agreements and Confiscated Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who holds custody of confiscated forest products and conveyances under IFMA and DENR deputization.