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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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.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Agrarian Reform: A Case Analysis
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules should serve, not override, substantial justice in agrarian reform cases.
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.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court rules on when procedural lapses in appeals may be relaxed, and what due process truly requires in employee dismissal.
Anib v. Coca-Cola: Technical Rules Yield to Substantial Justice in Labor Cases
Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural technicalities should not bar review of labor cases, remanding an illegal dismissal dispute for hearing on the merits.
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.
When a Counsel's Negligence Endangers Property: Balancing Technical Rules and Substantive Justice
A Supreme Court ruling shows that procedural lapses in an appellant's brief may be excused, but a drugstore's negligent dispensing of medicine still invites liability.
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.
Probable Cause in Estafa Through Falsification: DOJ Discretion Upheld in Go v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court affirms DOJ's withdrawal of estafa charges, upholding prosecutorial discretion absent grave abuse and technical rules on appeals.
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.
Election Contests: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Will of the Electorate
The Supreme Court rules that technical rules on forum shopping should not defeat the people's choice in election contests.
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.
When Labor Tribunals Must Relax Technical Rules: The Lamsen Case
A look at Philippine Scout Veterans v. NLRC, where the High Court reminded labor tribunals to prioritize substance over technicalities.