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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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.
Quo Warranto Challenging the Eligibility of Impeachable Officers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why quo warranto, not just impeachment, can oust an ineligible impeachable officer like the Chief Justice.
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.
Judicial Ethics: Impartiality and Integrity Beyond the Bench
A Court of Appeals justice fined for casino gambling shows that judicial ethics reach beyond the bench. Learn the rules and limits.
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.
Corporate Rehabilitation Tax Waiver: CTA Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Customs Duty Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax and customs duty disputes during corporate rehabilitation belong exclusively to the Court of Tax Appeals, not regular courts.
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.
Untimely Appeal and Strict Procedural Rules in Agrarian Redemption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an agrarian redemption appeal filed out of time, stressing strict compliance with Rule 43 and Rule 45.
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.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors by judges are judicial matters for appeal, not administrative complaints. Learn the distinction and its practical implications.
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.
When Lawyers Behave Badly: The Supreme Court on Suspension, Reputation, and Evidence
A 2017 Supreme Court ruling shows why disbarment complaints need solid evidence, and why lawyers must stay mindful of how their conduct appears to the public.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: A Judge's Failure to Comply With Court Directives and Its Consequences
A Supreme Court decision shows how a judge's repeated failure to obey audit directives and decide cases on time led to administrative liability and serious sanctions.
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.
Finality of Judgments: Why Failing to Appeal on Time Can Uphold a Conviction
A procedural lapse—filing the wrong appeal—can make a conviction final and immutable. Learn the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Failure to Provide Diligent Service
A lawyer who repeatedly failed to appear in court hearings was suspended for one year and ordered to return fees.