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.
Misconduct and Separation Pay: When Is an Employee Entitled to Separation Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and why theft bars such an award.
Counsel Substitution and Appeal Perfection: Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how improper counsel substitution and missing non-forum shopping certifications can doom labor appeals.
When Remand Limits Amendments: Damages in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court rules on when courts may allow amended complaints after remand in eminent domain cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Prescription and Laches in Deed of Sale Cases: Lessons from Sanchez v. Sanchez
When can a deed of sale be challenged in court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on prescription and laches in Sanchez v. Sanchez.
Judicial Clemency: Balancing Mercy and Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, reaffirming that remorse and reformation must be proven, not merely claimed.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Defying Court Orders
A lawyer’s duty of diligence and obedience to court orders, explained through a Supreme Court ruling suspending Atty. Reni M. Dublin for six months.
Extrinsic Fraud and Road Lots: When Final Judgments in Property Disputes Stand
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrinsic fraud justifies annulling a final judgment in property disputes, using a road lots redemption case.
Forum Shopping and Protection Orders: Avoiding Conflicting Rulings in Custody Disputes
When a mother filed for a protection order in another court while a custody case was pending, the Supreme Court clarified the limits of forum shopping.
Attorney's Negligence Leads to Suspension: Upholding Diligence in Legal Representation
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for gross negligence in criminal defense, reaffirming counsel's duty of diligence and fidelity to clients.
Secretary's Certificate as Proof of Corporate Authority in Philippine Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a secretary's certificate suffices to prove corporate authority to file pleadings, and the duties of plaintiffs in pre-trial.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Filing Deadlines on Weekends and Holidays: The Rule on Extended Periods in Philippine Courts
When an extended filing deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, Philippine courts allow filing on the next working day—here's the rule.
Co-Owner's Right to File Ejectment: Clarifying Philippine Rules on Co-Ownership and Unlawful Detainer
Can one co-owner file ejectment without joining others? The Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' rights under Article 487 in Catedrilla v. Lauron.
Finality of Judgments: Repeated Motions for Reconsideration in Administrative Cases
Supreme Court warns against filing repeated motions for reconsideration in administrative cases, affirming the doctrine of finality of judgments.
Digital Ballots As Primary Evidence Protecting Electoral Integrity In The Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that digital ballot images from PCOS machines are functional equivalents of physical ballots, protecting elections from tampering.
When Can Government Agencies Represent Themselves? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Mandate
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Republic v. Cuizon on when government agencies may appear in court without the Solicitor General.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Due Process in Property Disputes
When a property owner loses title without notice, annulment of judgment may lie. The Supreme Court clarifies extrinsic fraud and due process rules.
Double Jeopardy and Speedy Trial Rights in the ASEAN Street Lighting Case
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on double jeopardy, speedy disposition, and amended informations in Braza v. Sandiganbayan.
Judicial Immunity: When CAN Judges Be Held Liable for Their Decisions?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial immunity and when judges may face administrative liability for their rulings.
Admonishing Delay in Executing Final Judgments: A Lesson for Judges
Sandiganbayan justices admonished for delaying execution of a final conviction, highlighting the ministerial duty to implement judgments promptly.
Laches and Land Ownership: Registered Titles Prevail Despite Delayed Action
The Supreme Court clarifies that laches cannot bar a registered landowner's right to recover property, reaffirming the strength of Torrens titles.
Jurisdiction Defined: Mixed Questions of Law and Fact in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal raises mixed questions of law and fact, and why jurisdiction depends on the nature of the issues raised.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Consent and the Legal Threshold
How moral ascendancy replaces force in rape by a stepparent, and why proving the victim's age matters.
Default Judgments: Balancing Procedural Rules and Fairness in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may declare a defendant in default for late answers, balancing strict procedural rules against fairness.