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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When Credit Extensions Make Insurance Policies Valid: Chartis v. Cyber City
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-payment of premiums does not invalidate an insurance policy, and when insurers may collect.
Certiorari Timelines in the Philippines: Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Borja
The Supreme Court clarifies the 60-day rule for filing certiorari petitions and when extensions may be allowed.
When Courts Can Bend Procedural Rules: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. Learn when extensions are allowed and the consequences of delay.
Judicial Discretion vs Legal Mandates: Balancing Urgency and Procedure in TRO Extensions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability clarifies the strict limits of 72-hour TRO extensions and the proper handling of weekend bail applications.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 120-Day Rule and Timely Medical Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120-day and 240-day periods for company-designated physician assessments in seafarer disability claims, and the burden on employers to justify extensions.
Granting Extensions in Appeals: Balancing Justice and Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
When can Philippine courts grant extensions to file appeals? The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 42 rules and the importance of substantial justice.
Accretion vs. Reclamation: Philippine Supreme Court Rules on Artificial Land Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that artificially filled land is not accretion under Article 457, settling ownership disputes over man-made extensions.
Breach of Contract and Surety Bonds: When Extensions Don't Discharge a Surety
A contractor's failure to complete works on time triggers liability for breach and its surety's bond, even when extensions are granted.
Certiorari Deadlines: No Extensions Without Compelling Reasons in the Philippines
Learn the strict rule on certiorari deadlines under Rule 45, including when extensions may be granted and the limits of court discretion.
Flexibility in Certiorari Petitions: Courts May Still Grant Extensions Despite Procedural Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts retain discretion to extend the 60-day period for certiorari petitions despite A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC.
Seafarers Death Benefits: Contract Extensions, Release Documents, and Compensability
Supreme Court rules seafarer's death compensable despite release documents and expired contract, protecting heirs' right to death benefits.
Upholding Agreements: The Decisive Impact of Admitted Extensions in Maritime Claims
How a carrier's failure to specifically deny an agreed extension period can defeat a prescription defense in maritime cargo claims.
No More Extensions for Certiorari Petitions: The Strict 60-Day Rule Under A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts can no longer grant extensions for Rule 65 certiorari petitions after A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC deleted the allowance.
When a Sheriff's Delay Undermines Justice: Lessons from Zamudio v. Auro
A deputy sheriff's repeated extensions to a judgment debtor and failure to file reports led to a finding of simple neglect of duty, with a fine imposed by the Supreme Court.
Default Judgments: When a Bank's Procedural Lapses Lead to Default
The Supreme Court upheld a default declaration against PNB for filing a late answer and misleading the court, clarifying strict rules on extensions.
Strict Adherence to Appeal Deadlines: A Guide to Filing Extensions
Learn how Philippine courts treat motions for extension of appeal deadlines, and why strict compliance with Rule 42 matters.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules in Filing Extensions
A second motion for reconsideration is a prohibited pleading that does not toll the appeal period. Learn the rules on perfecting appeals.
Judge Fined for Decision Delay Despite Heavy Caseload: Judicial Efficiency and Justice Delayed
The Supreme Court fined a RTC judge for grave delay in deciding a rape case even with heavy caseload, stressing the duty to request extensions.
Judge Fined for Delayed Decision in Carnapping Case: Duty to Decide Promptly
Supreme Court fines judge P2,000 for undue delay in deciding a carnapping case, stressing judges must decide cases promptly or seek extensions.
Authority and Accountability: When a Project Manager's Sign-Off Binds the Owner in Construction Disputes
A project manager's approval of time extensions can bind the owner. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Consequences for Delay in Rendering Decisions and Issuing Summons
The Supreme Court fined a judge for gross inefficiency, underscoring the 90-day decision rule and the duty to request extensions.
How Court Deadlines and Extensions Are Computed: The Luz Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies how extensions of time are counted in Philippine courts, and when liberal interpretation may save a late filing.
Lawyer's Neglect of Appeal Brief Leads to Six-Month Suspension
When a lawyer obtains extensions to file an appeal brief but fails to submit it, the client suffers—and the lawyer faces discipline.
Surety Liability Survives Loan Extensions Under Continuing Guaranty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether loan extensions without a surety's consent extinguish liability under a continuing guaranty.