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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Franchise Disputes in the Philippines: How They Are Resolved Under Philippine Law
Learn how franchise disputes in the Philippines are resolved through mediation, arbitration, or court, and what the law says about each route.
Court-Annexed Mediation in the Philippines: How It Works Under RA 9285
Court-annexed mediation in the Philippines lets a court-referred mediator help parties settle before trial. Learn how it works under RA 9285.
Managing a Litigation Portfolio in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Companies
Learn how Philippine companies manage a litigation portfolio, from early case assessment to arbitration, mediation, and settlement under RA 9285.
DOLE SEnA Filing Procedure Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the DOLE SEnA filing procedure in the Philippines—how to file a labor complaint through the Single Entry Approach and get free mediation.
Judicial Conduct and Mediation: When a Judge's Zeal to Settle Crosses the Line
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's overzealous mediation efforts, ex parte meetings, and delay in settling a probate case.
Judicial Accountability: Strict Adherence to Court-Annexed Mediation Rules
A judge's deviation from mandatory court-annexed mediation rules leads to administrative liability, clarifying the distinction between gross ignorance and rule violations.
When Judges Fall Short: Accountability, Mediation Rules, and Court Personnel Duties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability, proper mediation referral, and the limits of delegating court personnel duties.
Dismissal for Non-Appearance at Mediation: Balancing Technicality and Substantive Justice
A party's failure to attend mediation may justify dismissal, but courts must weigh technical rules against substantive justice.
When a Holiday Should Stop a Judge From Dismissing a Case: Senarlo v. Paderanga
A judge who dismissed a case for non-appearance on a declared holiday was found liable for simple misconduct. Learn the rules on mediation, pre-trial, and dismissals.
Judicial Impartiality: Avoiding the Appearance of Impropriety in Judicial Conduct
A judge's private mediation between litigants in pending cases violates the Code of Judicial Conduct and constitutes simple misconduct.
Moral Conduct in Public Service: When Personal Lives Affect Professional Reputation
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how a court employee's unauthorized mediation and ignored requests led to a fine for simple misconduct and violations of R.A. No. 6713.