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.
Supreme Court Acquits Barangay Official in Graft Case, Clarifies Elements of Section 3(c) RA 3019
The Supreme Court acquits a barangay kagawad of graft, clarifying the elements of Section 3(c) of RA 3019 and the importance of substantial justice over technical rules.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Property Dispute Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies appellate review standards in property disputes, emphasizing substantial justice over technical procedural rules.
Lost Title vs. Stolen Title: When Reconstitution Is Void in Philippine Property Law
Explore when a court-ordered title reconstitution is void, the limits of certiorari, and why technical rules yield to substantial justice.
Balancing Technical Rules and Justice When the Court of Appeals Must Review Cases on Merit
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to attach all pleadings to a Rule 42 petition should not automatically result in outright dismissal.
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.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Substantial Evidence Trumps Technical Rules
Explore how Philippine courts weigh substantial evidence over procedural technicalities in administrative proceedings, ensuring fairness and justice.
When Late Appeal Briefs Are Allowed: Substantial Justice Over Technical Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late filing of an appellant's brief may be excused in the interest of substantial justice.
Dismissal of Appeal When Technical Rules Trump Substantial Justice
When do procedural lapses justify dismissing an appeal? This article explains the rule and its limits, using Philippine Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Due Process and Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative bodies like the CSC need only substantial evidence, not technical rules, to prove dishonesty.
Procedural Due Process and the Right to Be Heard in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine courts weigh procedural due process in land disputes, balancing technical rules against substantive justice for all parties.
Navigating Philippine Courts Why Procedure Matters AS Much AS Substance IN Appeals
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that technical rules yield to justice, especially when liberty hangs in the balance.
Substantial Compliance in Appellate Procedure: Balancing Technical Rules and Justice
The Supreme Court relaxes technical rules in labor cases, allowing substantial compliance with Rule 65 and Rule 13 requirements.
Habeas Corpus and the Family Code: When Child Custody Battles Meet Technical Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions for child custody must comply with Article 151 compromise requirements and barangay conciliation rules.
Balancing Technical Rules and Justice: The Discretion to Reinstate Appeals Despite Late Docket Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies when late payment of appellate docket fees may justify dismissal, and when courts may relax procedural rules.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on liberal construction of verification and non-forum shopping rules in labor cases.
Barangay Election Substitution After Candidate's Death: The People's Mandate Prevails
Supreme Court allows substitution of deceased barangay election candidates, honoring voter will over technical rules.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Technical Rules Give Way
When a defective notice of hearing cost a man his appeal and his liberty, the Supreme Court showed when technical rules must yield to substantial justice.