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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Default Orders and Procedural Compliance: The Limits of Technical Objections
Understand when a technical defect in service of pleadings can—and cannot—justify setting aside a default order in Philippine civil procedure.
Sheriff Misconduct: When Overzealous Court Service Becomes a Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff misconduct when overzealous implementation of court orders and service of pleadings exceeds authority.
Service of Pleadings in Appellate Courts: The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority
In Salazar v. Romaquin, the Supreme Court clarified that the Solicitor General exclusively represents the People in appellate courts, making service on the Provincial Prosecutor ineffective.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: When a Philippine Agency Can Sign for Its Foreign Principal
The Supreme Court held that a local recruitment agency may sign the certification of non-forum shopping for its foreign principal, but strict rules still apply to service of pleadings.
Personal Service IS Priority: Understanding Mandatory Pleading Service in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when personal service of pleadings is mandatory under Section 11, Rule 13, and what happens when lawyers skip it.