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 a Trial Court Loses Jurisdiction: Double Jeopardy and Void Orders in Quiambao v. People
The Supreme Court explains when a dismissal order is void for lack of jurisdiction and why double jeopardy does not attach to a null judgment.
Upholding Accountability Attorney Sanctioned FOR Misleading THE Court AND Obstructing Justice
Supreme Court rules on contempt jurisdiction, residual powers of trial courts, and ministerial duties of court officers in execution pending appeal.
No Certificate, No Appeal: Strict Rule on Non-Forum Shopping in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a certificate of non-forum shopping is mandatory for NLRC appeals, and procedural rules will not be relaxed for unmeritorious claims.
When a Heated Argument Is Not "Fighting": A Philippine Labor Law Lesson on Just Cause Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fighting" as a just cause for dismissal requires physical combat, not mere verbal altercations.
Intervention Rights When A Case Fails SO Does THE Right TO Intervene
When a main case is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, an intervenor's right to intervene also ceases. Learn the rule from Pulgar v. RTC of Mauban.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Termination: Protecting Employer Confidence
When an employee's dishonesty erodes the employer's trust, dismissal may be justified under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Court Employee Disciplined for Improper Fee Demands and Unprofessional Behavior
Supreme Court suspends a clerk of court for demanding unauthorized fees and acting unprofessionally toward a litigant seeking court documents.
Usurious Interest and Foreclosure: When Unconscionable Loan Terms Void a Foreclosure Sale
A Supreme Court ruling on how excessive interest rates can invalidate a foreclosure sale, and what borrowers and lenders must know.
Labor Appeals: Failure to Serve Appeal Memorandum Is Not Jurisdictional
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to furnish the opposing party a copy of a labor appeal memorandum is only a formal lapse, not a jurisdictional defect.
Prescription Periods in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Clarifying the Statute of Limitations
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal claims prescribe in four years, not three, distinguishing backwages from ordinary money claims.
Treble Costs Under Rule 65: When Courts May Penalize Frivolous Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that treble costs under Rule 65 are discretionary, requiring clear justification, not automatic penalties.
Consignation Without Tender of Payment: A Cautionary Tale on Judicial Deposits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judicial deposit requires prior tender of payment unless exceptions apply, in Del Carmen v. Sabordo.
Breach of Contract Remedies for Condominium Delivery Delays in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects condominium buyers when developers delay delivery, including refund rights and interest rules under PD 957.
Enforcing Final Judgments: Legal Interest and the Doctrine of Immutability
A look at how final judgments accrue legal interest and why the doctrine of immutability bars modification.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Suspended FOR Deceit AND Neglect OF Client Funds
Lawyer suspended two years for misrepresenting himself, neglecting a client's visa case, and failing to return P350,000 in legal fees.
Attorney Suspended for Misrepresentation and Failure to Return Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for misrepresenting as immigration lawyer and failing to return P350,000 client funds.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Full Salary for Unexpired Contract, Not Just 3 Months
The Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap as unconstitutional.
The Duty of Disclosure: Honesty in Seafarer Employment Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling on how concealing a pre-existing illness in a seafarer's PEME can bar disability claims, even when the 3-day reporting rule is excused.
Service Charges and CBA Terms: When Negotiated Contracts Are Exempt in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service charges are due under a CBA, and how negotiated contracts and special rates are exempt.
Pre-Trial Representation: When a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
Learn why the Supreme Court requires a Special Power of Attorney for pre-trial representation, and how lacking one can lead to default.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Substantiate Claims of Payment
Employers who claim they paid workers' wages and benefits must prove it with payroll records. Learn the rule from a 2014 Supreme Court case.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies the real party in interest rule in G.R. No. 205179, explaining who may properly bring suit.
Amending Lease Contracts: Upholding Written Agreements and Preventing Unjust Enrichment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease amendments, judicial admissions, and why unjust enrichment claims fail when a lessee violates the contract.
Indirect Contempt and Due Process: Why Hearings Matter in Ejectment Cases
The Supreme Court explains when non-appearance at a preliminary conference justifies judgment without further hearing, and what this means for due process.