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.
Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases Are Immediately Executory
The Supreme Court confirms that Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases are immediately executory, even pending appeal, unless a court issues a TRO or preliminary injunction.
PNP Dismissal Orders: When Are They Immediately Executory?
The Supreme Court clarifies when PNP dismissal orders are immediately executory and how appeals to the National Appellate Board affect enforcement.
Voluntary Arbitration Appeals: The 15-Day Filing Period in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from voluntary arbitrator decisions must be filed within 15 days under Rule 43, not 10 days.
Binding Counsel When Attorney Negligence Impacts Client Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client is bound by counsel's negligence and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Final Orders vs. Interlocutory Orders: Why Certiorari Cannot Replace a Lost Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal orders are final and appealable, not subject to certiorari. Learn the rules.
Ombudsman Appeals and Procedural Rules: When Technicalities Yield to Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that procedural lapses should not defeat the merits of an administrative appeal, especially when a government employee's dismissal is at stake.
Willful Disobedience as Just Cause for Termination: Mamaril v. The Red System Company
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's repeated violation of safety rules justifies dismissal for willful disobedience under the Labor Code.
Lawyers Barred From Lupon Proceedings: A Reminder on Barangay Justice Integrity
SC reprimands lawyer for appearing in barangay conciliation proceedings, affirming the mandatory ban on counsel under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law.
Barangay Dispute Resolution Lawyers Barred From Lupon Appearances
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers cannot appear before the Lupon Tagapamayapa, preserving the informal, conciliatory character of barangay justice.
Notarization Rules: When a Notary Public Violates the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice
The Supreme Court defines the strict personal appearance requirement for notarization and the penalties for violating notarial rules.
Upholding Integrity in Notarial Duty: Consequences of Improper Acknowledgment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a notary public for notarizing a deed without the seller's husband personally appearing—a reminder that notarization is never a routinary act.
Ouster by Quo Warranto Challenging the Eligibility of an Impeachable Officer in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling that quo warranto, not just impeachment, can oust an ineligible impeachable officer.
Philippine Ports Authority v. City of Davao: Jurisdiction and Forum Shopping in Real Property Tax Cases
Explains why the CTA, not the CA, has exclusive jurisdiction over real property tax appeals and why splitting remedies constitutes forum shopping.
Quo Warranto and Judicial Integrity: The Sereno Case Explained
The Supreme Court's Sereno ruling clarifies that quo warranto can oust impeachable officers who lack constitutional qualifications like proven integrity.
Certiorari Denied: Exhausting Appeals Before Seeking Extraordinary Writs in Tax Disputes
Learn why the Supreme Court denied certiorari in a forfeiture case, emphasizing the need to exhaust appeals before seeking extraordinary writs.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability Ex Delicto
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
Upholding Marital Sanctity When Procedural Technicalities Give Way to Substantial Justice in Annulment Cases
The Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to protect marriage's sanctity, allowing the State to appeal an annulment ruling despite technical lapses.
Lawyer's Duty to Client: Neglect and Failure to Inform Leads to Six-Month Suspension
A lawyer who failed to inform a client about an adverse NLRC ruling and did not appeal was suspended for six months for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Finality of Labor Decisions: When a Seafarer's Dismissal Case Cannot Be Reopened
A seafarer's illegal dismissal case was reinstated because the employer failed to timely appeal. Learn why final judgments stick.
Finality of Judgments: Why Procedural Rules on Service of Motions Cannot Be Ignored
A bank's appeal was dismissed for defective service of its motion for reconsideration. The Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter.
Untimely Filing: The High Cost of Ignoring Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
A bank's appeal was dismissed because its motion for reconsideration was served by private courier without proper proof. Learn the procedural rules.
Revival of Judgment: Why It Must Be Filed with the RTC, Not the Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that actions to revive a judgment must be filed with the Regional Trial Court, not the Court of Appeals.
Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Client's Appeal and Failing to Communicate
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and update clients on case status leads to six-month suspension.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Simple Neglect in Delayed Appeal Transmittal
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for simple neglect of duty over delayed case records transmittal, but clears court stenographer.