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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Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Final Convictions Can Be Reopened for Due Process
When a lawyer's gross negligence and lies cost a client the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall a final judgment to protect due process.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Restore the Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence and misrepresentations cause a client to lose the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall the entry of judgment and reinstate the appeal.
Private Complainants and the Right to Appeal: Harmonizing Jurisprudence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when private complainants may question acquittals or dismissals in criminal cases, and when only the OSG may act.
Dismissals With Prejudice and the Right to Appeal: Lessons from Heirs of Jose Malit, Sr. v. Heirs of Jesus Mal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissal bars refiling and why appeal—not certiorari—is the proper remedy.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: The Latogan Doctrine
The Supreme Court in Latogan v. People relaxed procedural rules to prevent a grave injustice, protecting a defendant's right to appeal a murder conviction.
Interlocutory Orders and Appeals: When to Appeal a Judgment in Philippine Courts
Learn when a court ruling becomes appealable and why a party's right to appeal is not affected by another party's motion for reconsideration.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutorial findings and the limits of a private complainant's right to appeal criminal case dismissals.
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.
Striking a Balance: Upholding Agrarian Justice Without Sacrificing Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that minor procedural lapses should not defeat the right to appeal, especially in agrarian cases involving social justice.
When Courts Overstep: The Right to Appeal Void Judgments in Civil Service Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that void judgments never become final, preserving the right to appeal when courts lack jurisdiction over civil service disputes.
Due Process and Proper Notice: Protecting the Republic's Right to Appeal
Learn how procedural rules on notice and due process protect the right to appeal in Philippine civil cases.
Satisfaction of Judgment and the Right to Appeal: Navigating Mootness in Philippine Labor Law
When paying a labor award does not end the case: the Supreme Court clarifies the mootness doctrine in seafarer disability disputes.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in Agrarian Cases: When Negligence Costs the Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court rules on missed appeal deadlines in agrarian disputes, explaining when a motion for reconsideration suspends the period and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Probation vs Appeal: Choosing Your Legal Path in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat probation versus appeal in criminal cases, and why choosing the wrong remedy can forfeit your right to appeal.
Belated Appeal in Criminal Cases: Finality of Judgment and the Right to Appeal
A belated notice of appeal in a criminal case results in finality of judgment. This article explains the rules and exceptions.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Protecting the Accused's Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court applies the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get a full 15 days to appeal after denial of reconsideration.
Dismissal of Appeal: Fugitive Status Bars Access to Judicial Relief
A Supreme Court ruling explains why an accused who jumps bail loses the right to appeal and seek relief from the courts.
The Fresh Period Rule: Reconciling Procedure and Justice in Appeals
The Supreme Court extends the Neypes fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring uniform 15-day appeal periods and protecting the accused's right to appeal.
Substitution of Counsel and Your Right to Appeal: A Philippine Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court handles appeals filed by lawyers who failed to properly substitute the counsel on record.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Why Timeliness Is Everything in Philippine Law
Timeliness is the lifeblood of appeals in Philippine courts. Learn why missing a deadline can forfeit a litigant's right to be heard.
Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases: Only the State Can Appeal the Criminal Aspect of a Dismissed Case
In Ong v. Genio, the Supreme Court ruled that only the Office of the Solicitor General may appeal the criminal aspect of a dismissed case, not the private complainant.
Fresh Period Rule: The Right to Appeal After a Motion for Reconsideration
Learn how the Fresh Period Rule in Neypes v. CA gives litigants 15 days from denial of a motion for reconsideration to appeal.
Final vs Interlocutory Orders: Timeliness of Appeal and the Right to Appeal
Learn the difference between final and interlocutory orders, the timeliness of appeal, and how sheriffs execute writs in Philippine civil procedure.