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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How to File a Small Claims Case in the Philippines
Step-by-step guide on how to file a small claims case in the Philippines for money owed, with practical tips for first-time litigants.
Judicial Acts During Suspension: Balancing Authority and Protecting Litigant Rights
The Supreme Court validates decisions of a suspended judge under the de facto officer and operative fact doctrines, protecting good-faith litigants.
Newly Discovered Evidence in Philippine Courts: The Barraquio Case and Rule 37
Learn the strict requirements for newly discovered evidence under Rule 37 and what the Supreme Court's Barraquio ruling means for litigants.
When Judges Overstep Authority: Due Process in Execution Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies judicial authority in execution proceedings, dismissing administrative charges against a judge while reminding litigants of proper remedies.
Judgment on Pleadings: When It Is Improper in Banking Disputes
Learn when judgment on pleadings is improper in banking disputes under Philippine rules, with practical guidance for litigants.
Court Employee Held Liable for Misappropriating Settlement Funds
Supreme Court rules court stenographer guilty of gross misconduct for pocketing settlement payments between litigants, imposing P105,000 fine.
Navigating Will Probate: Key Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court decision on property under custodia legis offers crucial lessons for lawyers and litigants in estate and will probate cases.
Negligence of Counsel: Litigants Must Still Monitor Their Cases
Supreme Court rules that a litigant cannot blame counsel's negligence for missing appeal deadlines; clients must monitor their cases.
Understanding Gross Misconduct: Court Employee's Handling of Bail Money
Court process server found guilty of gross misconduct for receiving bail money from litigants. Learn the rules and penalties.
Preliminary Injunctions in Mortgage Foreclosure Cases: What Philippine Courts Require
Learn the requirements for preliminary injunctions in mortgage foreclosure cases under Philippine law, explained in plain language for property owners and litigants.
Understanding Judicial Efficiency: The Consequences of Delaying Case Decisions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows the heavy price judges pay for delaying decisions—and what it means for litigants and the justice system.
Navigating Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: Key Insights from a Landmark Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the hierarchy of courts and forum shopping rules in habeas corpus petitions, with key takeaways for litigants.
Choosing the Right Path: Why Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and what this means for litigants.
Court Personnel Misconduct in the Philippines: Consequences and Remedies
Explains the Supreme Court's ruling on court personnel misconduct, its consequences, and the remedies available to affected litigants in the Philippines.
Conflicting Court Decisions: The Imperative of Case Consolidation in Philippine Law
When court decisions conflict, consolidation becomes necessary. This article explains the rules and practical implications for litigants in the Philippines.
Sheriff Dismissed for Accepting Unofficial Payments From Litigants
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for receiving P100,000 in direct payments from litigants, ruling such conduct constitutes serious dishonesty.
Indigence AND Access TO Justice Balancing Legal Fees AND Constitutional Rights
Explains how courts balance the right to appeal against the requirement to pay docket fees, and when indigent litigants may be exempted.
Receiving Money from Bondsmen Is Grave Misconduct for Court Personnel
Court employees cannot receive money from litigants, even as voluntary "token" gifts. The Supreme Court explains why in Perez v. Roxas.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: What the Zamora Case Teaches Litigants
Learn how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes forum shopping, and what the Zamora ruling means for litigants filing multiple cases.
Sheriff's Suspension for Handling Litigant's Money: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
A sheriff's attempt to pass a litigant's P7,500 to a prosecutor was grave misconduct. The Court explains why court personnel must never handle litigants' money.
Certiorari Filing Deadlines: The 60-Day Rule and Grave Abuse of Discretion
A dismissed employee's appeal was wrongly rejected by the Court of Appeals before the 60-day certiorari period lapsed—what this means for litigants.
Breach OF Trust Dismissal FOR Court Personnel Extorting Litigants IN THE Philippines
Court Personnel Dismissed for Grave Misconduct in Fee-Fixing Scandal
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for grave misconduct—soliciting fees from litigants and unauthorized withdrawal of publication fees.
Compulsory vs. Permissive Counterclaims: What Philippine Litigants Must Know
Learn the difference between compulsory and permissive counterclaims in Philippine courts, including docket fees, forum shopping, and the Alba v. Malapajo ruling.