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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Judicial Misconduct and Unauthorized Travel: When a Judge Abandons the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses a judge for repeated unauthorized travel abroad, abandoning court duties and litigants.
Certiorari vs Petition for Review: Choosing the Right Appeal Route in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use certiorari versus a petition for review, and why choosing the wrong mode of appeal can be fatal to a case.
Government Employee Strikes: Balancing Rights and Public Service in the Philippines
Philippine law prohibits strikes by government employees, but peaceful assembly within legal bounds remains protected. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Upholding Judicial Competence: The Cost of Ignoring Basic Procedural Rules
A judge's severe reprimand for gross ignorance of appeal rules underscores the high standard of competence expected of Philippine courts.
Perfecting Appeals and Timelines in Philippine Labor Cases: The PAL v. Brillantes Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved PAL v. Brillantes, balancing strict appeal timelines, labor law, and equitable justice.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Commodity Futures Fraud Claims: Lessons From Tolentino v. Court of Appeals
When fraud in commodity futures trading falls under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts, per Tolentino v. CA.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Good Reasons Exist in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is allowed, emphasizing that financial distress of a corporate party is not a "good reason."
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Early in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard for execution pending appeal, using PBCom v. Court of Appeals.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Construction
When do construction workers become regular employees? The Supreme Court explains repeated rehiring and security of tenure in Lao Construction v. NLRC.
Enforcing Compromise Agreements Navigating Disputes AND Appeals IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final and executory judgments, execution of awards, and limits on modifying settled labor disputes.
Untimely Appeal and NLRC Discretion: Jurisdictional Requirements in Labor Disputes
Philippine National Construction Corporation vs. NLRC: motion for reconsideration is mandatory before certiorari, and separation benefits are construed in favor of workers.
Substantial Compliance in Appeals: When Courts Overlook Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court ruling in Nerves v. Civil Service Commission on substantial compliance with appeal rules and why a mislabeled petition survived.
Airline Liability for Stranded Passengers: Understanding Passenger Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Airlines v. Court of Appeals clarifies airline liability for stranded passengers, discrimination, and damages under Philippine law.
When Sequestration Does Not Oust Trial Courts: PAGCOR v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sequestration alone does not strip regular courts of jurisdiction over ownership disputes involving sequestered assets.
Due Process and the Day in Court: When a Party Is Denied Their Right to Be Heard
Explains when failure to attend trial or substitute counsel amounts to denial of due process, using Bernardo v. Court of Appeals.
Appeal Bonds IN Labor Cases When CAN They BE Reduced
Contempt of Court When Legal Actions Cross the Line: A Philippine Law Analysis
The Supreme Court explains when filing repeated complaints against judges becomes contempt of court, abuse of process, and forum-shopping.
Judicial Impropriety: Avoiding the Appearance of Corruption in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts demand not just actual integrity but the appearance of it. This article explains the standard of judicial impropriety.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Promissory Notes
Learn how Philippine courts interpret acceleration clauses in promissory notes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mendoza v. Court of Appeals.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Protests: When Can a Winner Take Office Early
Learn when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal in election protests, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Lindo v. COMELEC.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: When Procedural Lapses Don't Erase Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employee dismissal, due process requirements, and NLRC appellate review standards in labor disputes.
When a Judge Reviews His Own Ruling: Due Process in Philippine Labor Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot review his own decision on appeal, and the due process rights of dismissed employees.
Final and Executory Judgments: Why Appeals Matter and What Happens When You Miss the Deadline
A missed appeal deadline makes a labor judgment final and executory—even if it contains errors. Learn the rules and risks.
When Stockholder Disputes Belong to the SEC: Garcia v. Court of Appeals
A stockholder's damages suit against another stockholder may still be an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.