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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Dismissal for Lack of Pre-Trial Brief: Balancing Procedural Rules and Justice
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to file a pre-trial brief, clarifying the fresh period rule and the binding effect of counsel's negligence.
Striking a Balance When Justice Requires Flexibility in Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court explains when courts may relax mandatory procedural rules, using a bank's late pre-trial brief as the case in point.
When May a Court Excuse a Late Pre-Trial Brief? BPI v. Dando
The Supreme Court relaxed a mandatory procedural rule to let a bank pursue its collection suit, showing when courts may excuse a late pre-trial brief.
Dismissal for Failure to File Pre-Trial Brief: The Mandatory Nature of Procedural Rules in Civil Cases
Failure to file a pre-trial brief is a ground for dismissal with prejudice, as the Supreme Court reaffirmed in Vera v. Rigor.
Attorney Negligence: Failing to File a Pre-Trial Brief in the Philippines
When a lawyer's failure to file a pre-trial brief leads to case dismissal, the Supreme Court may impose disciplinary sanctions. Learn the rules.