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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When Family Disputes Meet the Courtroom: Understanding Compulsory Compromise in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts handle family disputes, using the Alitagtag rape case to explain legal principles and procedures.
Preliminary Investigations: Why Judges Must Follow Procedure — Domingo v. Reyes
A judge who rewrites a criminal complaint during preliminary investigation violates Rule 112. The Supreme Court explains why procedure matters.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds BLR Authority In Union Account Audits Ensuring Transparency AND Accountabilit
The Supreme Court affirms the Bureau of Labor Relations' jurisdiction over union account audits, clarifying appellate procedure under Philippine labor law.
Supreme Court Reconsiderations: Minute Resolutions and Finality of Judgments in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court treats minute resolutions, second motions for reconsideration, and finality of judgments in Philippine civil procedure.
Grievance Before Strike: SC Upholds CBA Machinery in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules unions must exhaust CBA grievance and arbitration procedures before declaring a strike, citing San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Fair Procedure Matters Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must follow procedural due process in termination cases, not just have valid grounds.
Sheriffs Duty IN Writ Execution Upholding Procedure AND Preventing Abuse ASG LAW
Challenging Ejectment Delays: Certiorari When Summary Procedure Fails
Learn when certiorari can challenge indefinite suspension of ejectment cases under the Rules on Summary Procedure, per Go v. Court of Appeals.
Speedy Justice Delayed: Understanding Summary Procedure in Philippine Courts
A judge's delay in acting on a summary procedure case leads to a severe reprimand, highlighting the importance of speedy justice.
Due Process in Court: Why Proper Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
A judge dismissed for quashing a search warrant and granting bail without notice—what this means for fair procedure in Philippine courts.
Motion to Quash Denied: Navigating Criminal Procedure and Your Rights in the Philippines
Learn when a motion to quash can be denied, the limits of certiorari, and your rights in Philippine criminal procedure.
Illegal Arrest Warrants and Due Process Under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure
A judge's premature arrest warrant violated summary procedure rules, resulting in a fine and a reminder of due process.
Counterclaims After Complaint Dismissal: Philippine Rules Explained
Learn when counterclaims survive dismissal of the main complaint under Philippine civil procedure, based on the Fletcher Challenge case.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Procedure Matters Even With Just Cause — Philippine Labor Law
Philippine labor law requires both substantive and procedural due process in dismissal. Even with just cause, failure to observe procedure can make termination illegal.
In-Court Identification in Rape Cases: People v. Pacistol (G.R. 119074-75)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a victim's credible in-court identification can secure a rape conviction despite flawed police line-up procedures.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When Civil Cases Halt Criminal Proceedings in the Philippines
Understand the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine criminal procedure, including when courts may suspend criminal cases pending civil actions.
The Right to Preliminary Investigation: A Shield for Liberty in Philippine Criminal Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a regular preliminary investigation is a substantive right, not a mere technicality, protecting the accused from arbitrary detention.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Good Reasons Exist in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is allowed, emphasizing that financial distress of a corporate party is not a "good reason."
Who May Challenge an Execution Sale: The Real Party in Interest Rule
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may question an execution sale and the real party in interest doctrine in civil procedure.
Forcible Entry and the Rule on Summary Procedure: Why Deadlines Are Strict
Philippine forcible entry cases run on strict deadlines. A late answer under the Rule on Summary Procedure can mean automatic loss, as this case shows.
Amending Pleadings When CAN YOU Change Your Legal Strategy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must consider late answers and jurisdictional challenges in summary procedure cases.
Preliminary Investigation Rules and Jurisdiction: Lessons from a Philippine Court Case
A Philippine judge's error on preliminary investigation jurisdiction offers practical lessons on criminal procedure and court authority.
Motion to Dismiss Denials: Interlocutory Orders and Certiorari in Philippine Courts
Learn when a denied motion to dismiss can be challenged by certiorari, and why timing and interlocutory rules matter in Philippine civil procedure.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Judges Fail to Follow Basic Legal Procedures
A judge who issued a warrant of arrest in a summary procedure case was fined for gross ignorance of the law. Learn the rules.