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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Ejectment Suits: Possession vs Ownership in Philippine Courts
Philippine ejectment suits decide possession, not ownership. Learn the rules from Dizon v. Court of Appeals.
When a Labor Arbiter's Decision Becomes Final: The Strict Rules on NLRC Appeals
Learn the mandatory requirements for perfecting an NLRC appeal and why a mere letter of protest cannot stop a final labor decision.
Final Executory Judgments and Ejectment: Why Ownership Disputes Do Not Bar Execution
A final ejectment judgment cannot be blocked by a later ownership ruling. The Soco v. Court of Appeals case explains the limits.
Perfecting Appeals: Why Timeliness Is Everything in Philippine Courts
A dismissed certiorari petition becomes final and binding. Learn why procedural rules like Circular 1-88 can decide your case.
Navigating Appeals in Philippine Administrative Law: Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Remedies
The Supreme Court clarifies appellate jurisdiction over PNP disciplinary cases, exhaustion of remedies, and administrative law principles in Cabada v. Alunan.
Motion for Extension of Time: Navigating Appeals in Philippine Courts
Learn when Philippine courts allow extension motions for appeals, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsaysay Lines v. Court of Appeals.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: When Can They Be Reduced
Learn when Philippine courts may reduce appeal bonds in labor cases, the rules on perfecting appeals, and practical tips for compliance.
Executive Clemency and Pending Appeals: When Can a Pardon Be Granted?
Philippine Supreme Court rules pardons granted while an appeal is pending are void, explaining the constitutional limits on executive clemency.
Supervening Events: When Can a Final Judgment Be Set Aside in the Philippines
Philippine law on when a final and executory judgment may be set aside due to supervening events, explained through Flores v. Court of Appeals.
Libel Damages and Filing Fees: What Philippine Criminal Cases Require
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing fees must be paid for damages claims in libel criminal cases, and why splitting appeals is prohibited.
Perfecting an Appeal: Understanding the Importance of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict procedural compliance in appeals and the limits of administrative interpretation of law.
Probable Cause in the Philippines: What You Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts define probable cause, why it matters in criminal cases, and what the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling means for you.
Understanding Solidary Liability in Philippine Promissory Notes: Inciong Jr. v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling explains what signing a promissory note "jointly and severally" means, and why co-makers cannot escape liability.
PAL v. Court of Appeals: When Off-Loading Baggage Becomes Bad Faith in Air Carriage
Philippine Airlines held liable for moral and exemplary damages after off-loading passengers' baggage in bad faith, despite Warsaw Convention limits.
Perfecting Appeals: The Importance of Surety Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn why posting a surety bond on time is mandatory and jurisdictional in appeals from POEA decisions to the NLRC.
Res Judicata in Land Registration: Ramirez v. Court of Appeals Explained
When does a final denial of a land registration application bar a later one? The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata in Ramirez v. Court of Appeals.
The Best Evidence Rule: Proving Payment and Authority in Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when the best evidence rule requires producing an original document to prove payment and agency authority.
Injunctions and Property Rights: When Courts Will Intervene
A clear property right is essential for an injunction. The Supreme Court explains the rules in Far East Bank v. Court of Appeals.
Perfecting Appeals Understanding Timelines AND Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Courts
Learn why filing a motion for reconsideration with the NLRC is mandatory before seeking certiorari from the Supreme Court.
When Can a Mortgage on Public Land Be Void: DBP v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mortgaging land under a free patent application is void and what makes a mortgage valid.