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.
When an Appeal Is Dismissed for Late Brief: The Licup Ruling on Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court nullified the CA's dismissal of an appeal due to a late brief, citing substantial justice and liberty interests.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Lessons from the NGCP v. Gaite Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing verifiable data over speculative land reclassifications.
Lawyer Duties: Informing Courts of Client Death and Filing Briefs
Supreme Court reprimands lawyer for failing to inform court of client's death and neglecting to file appellee's brief. Learn the rules.
Notice Requirements for SPV Asset Transfers: Protecting Borrowers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements for SPV asset transfers under RA 9182, balancing borrower protection with valid assignments.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: When Cancellation Is Valid Without Maceda Law
Supreme Court clarifies contract to sell rules, default judgments, and when Maceda Law does not apply to commercial property buyers.
Upholding Finality: Supreme Court Reaffirms Requirements for Valid Motions for Reconsideration in Property Dis
Learn how the Supreme Court protected the finality of judgments and clarified the limits of appellate review in a property mortgage dispute.
Appellees Cannot Raise New Issues on Appeal: Cruz v. MIAA Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that an appellee who did not appeal cannot raise new errors, limiting appellate review to the appellant's assigned errors.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Social Justice Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when a validly dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and when social justice arguments fail.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Managerial Employees?
The Supreme Court in Manese v. Jollibee clarifies the less stringent standard for dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Option Contract vs. Right of First Refusal: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Learn the difference between an option contract and a right of first refusal in Philippine real estate, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Tuazon v. Del Rosario-Suarez.
When a Client Relieves Counsel: Withdrawal of Appeal and Compromise Agreements
A look at Bautista v. Seraph Management Group, Inc. on withdrawal of appeals, relieving counsel, and the validity of compromise agreements.
Appeal Memorandum Deadlines: Why Missing Them Can Cost Your Case
Missing the 15-day appeal memorandum deadline can end your appeal. Learn the strict rules and what the Supreme Court says about excuses.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest AND Penalties IN Land Purchase Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules buyers must pay stipulated interest and penalty charges in land purchase agreements, even if onerous.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Appellate Review in Philippine Courts
When can courts revisit decided cases? The Supreme Court explains finality of judgment, appellate jurisdiction, and contract to sell rules.
Proper Parties in Appeals: Identifying the Real Party in Interest
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be named as respondents in appeals, emphasizing the real party-in-interest rule under Rule 45.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
Lost Property Due to Foreclosure: Understanding Notice Requirements in the Philippines
A judge who ignored a TRO and demolished a home was disciplined. Learn the notice rules that protect property rights in Philippine foreclosure and ejectment cases.
Attorney Negligence: Upholding a Lawyer's Duty of Diligence and Competence
A lawyer's failure to file briefs caused a client's case to be lost. The Supreme Court suspended him for one year.
Wrong Court, Wrong Remedy: Appeals From Labor Arbiter Decisions in the Philippines
Learn why a Labor Arbiter decision must be appealed to the NLRC, not the RTC, and how choosing the wrong remedy can make a judgment final and executory.