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.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Appealing MARINA Decisions to the Office of the President
When must MARINA decisions be appealed to the Office of the President before going to court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Judicial Clarity Required: Nullifying Decisions Without Factual and Legal Basis
The Supreme Court affirms that decisions lacking clear factual and legal bases are void, upholding the Court of Appeals' nullification of a trial court ruling.
Eminent Domain and Execution Pending Appeal: Safeguarding Government Funds
Supreme Court rules discretionary execution pending appeal does not apply to eminent domain proceedings, protecting government funds from garnishment.
Clerks of Court Must Transmit Appeal Records on Time: A Lesson from Tecson v. Asuncion-Roxas
A clerk of court's one-year delay in transmitting criminal appeal records to the CA constitutes gross neglect of duty, the Supreme Court rules.
Appeal Dismissed Understanding Questions OF LAW VS Questions OF Fact IN Summary Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between questions of law and fact in appeals from summary judgments, and the proper remedy.
Untimely Appeal: The High Cost of Missed Deadlines in Labor Disputes
A missed 15-day deadline to appeal a Court of Appeals ruling proved fatal for an employer, showing why procedural rules matter.
Wrong Appeal Mode in Agrarian Cases: When Procedural Lapses Prove Fatal
The Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from agrarian courts must use Rule 42 petitions, not ordinary appeals, or the decision becomes final.
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: When a Client Is Bound by a Lawyer's Lapses
A missed deadline for an appellant's brief can end an appeal. Philippine Supreme Court explains when clients are bound by counsel's negligence.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Appeals to the Commission on Audit
The Supreme Court clarifies that a client is bound by counsel's negligence in COA appeals, absent diligent follow-up.
Jurisdiction Over Annulment OF Judgments Defining THE Boundaries OF THE Court OF TAX Appeals Authority
Tax Suspension Bonds: When the CTA Must Hear the Taxpayer First
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Court of Tax Appeals may require a bond to suspend tax collection, and why a preliminary hearing is essential.
Forum Shopping: Simultaneous Appeal and Annulment of Judgment Constitutes Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court rules that pursuing an appeal and a petition for annulment of judgment simultaneously constitutes forum shopping and may warrant contempt.
Who Represents the People? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that only the Office of the Solicitor General may appeal criminal cases, not private complainants.
Heirs Discord Upholding Partition Rights In Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that no co-heir may be forced to remain in co-ownership, and explains strict rules on appeals.
Untimely Appeal: When Delays in Filing Cost Levi's Its Trademark Protection
The Supreme Court rules that failing to perfect a timely appeal to the Court of Appeals is jurisdictional, costing Levi Strauss its TAB DEVICE trademark.
Determining Good Faith Remand FOR Trial ON Property Ownership Disputes
When can the Supreme Court remand a property dispute for trial? Learn from Toledo v. Court of Appeals on good faith buyers.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Violent Crimes in the Philippines
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability ends—but civil liability may survive. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Tax Refunds and Court Discretion: When Can a Taxpayer Withdraw an Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Final Decision on Disputed Assessment is void and its effect on tax assessments.
Standing to Sue: The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
Who may appeal a dismissed criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the Solicitor General's exclusive authority and the limits on private prosecutors.
Probable Cause and Bribery When Doubts Justify A Trial
Supreme Court ruling on who may appeal criminal case dismissals and venue rules for online libel.
Corporate Rehabilitation Appeals: Choosing the Right Remedy Under Philippine Rules
Learn the correct mode of appeal for corporate rehabilitation cases in the Philippines, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Golden Cane v. Steelpro.
Counsel Negligence and Client Responsibility: When Procedural Dismissals Stand in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client is bound by counsel's negligence and why dismissal for failure to prosecute is a final, appealable order.
Untimely Filing Dooms VAT Refund Claim Navigating Jurisdictional Deadlines IN TAX Appeals
Perfecting Appeals Strict Compliance AND Jurisdictional Requirements IN Philippine LAW
Reconstitution of a Torrens title requires clear proof the certificate was genuine and in force when lost or destroyed.