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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Malicious Prosecution Claims Against Prosecutors: The Drilon v. Court of Appeals Ruling
When can prosecutors be sued for damages after filing criminal charges? The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of malicious prosecution and the protection of good faith.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Agrarian Land Reclassification
When can landowners skip administrative appeals and go straight to court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in a CARP exemption case.
Appeal Rights After Default Protecting DUE Process IN Philippine Courts
Execution Pending Appeal When Urgency Justifies Immediate Enforcement
Explains when Philippine courts may allow execution pending appeal, using Standard Insurance v. Court of Appeals as a guide.
Self-Defense, Unlawful Aggression, and Conspiracy: Lessons from People v. Tumayao
The Supreme Court clarifies self-defense, conspiracy, and treachery in a murder case, and explains the effect of an accused's death on appeal.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Process Limits in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief justifies dismissal of an appeal and binds the client.
Reasonable Doubt and Criminal Liability: Homicide, Conspiracy, and the Limits of Witness Testimony in the Phil
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies reasonable doubt, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder appeal that became homicide.
When a Judge Crosses the Line: Interference in a Criminal Case and the Price of Impropriety
A Court of Appeals justice was dismissed for trying to influence a prosecutor in a drug case. This article explains the ruling and its lessons.
Defective Notice of Appeal and Due Process: Lessons from Fajardo v. Court of Appeals
A defective motion without notice of hearing is a scrap of paper; appeal period runs from counsel's receipt of judgment.
Procedural Lapses Can Nullify Agrarian Appeals: Mito v. Court of Appeals
Learn how failure to follow appeal rules under SC Circular 1-95 cost an agrarian beneficiary his case in Mito v. Court of Appeals.
Positive Identification and Treachery: The Murder Conviction of Arnel Mataro and Nick Perucho
How eyewitness identification and treachery secured murder convictions, and how damages were computed on appeal.
Extrajudicial Settlements and Adopted Children's Inheritance: Lessons from Pedrosa v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when extrajudicial settlements bind adopted heirs and how prescription periods apply to fraudulent partitions.
Finality of Judgments, Jurisdiction, and Forum Shopping in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when judgments become final, how appeals affect jurisdiction, and what constitutes forum shopping.
Dismissal for Non-Compliance: When Missing Documents Doom Your Appeal
Missing pleadings in a Rule 42 petition can get your appeal dismissed. Learn the mandatory attachment rules from Atillo v. Bombay.
Reviving Redemption: Equitable Extension of Redemption Rights in Grossly Inadequate Foreclosure Sales
When can a court revive an expired right of redemption? The Supreme Court explains in Cometa v. Court of Appeals.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: When Acquittal Does Not Erase Damages in Reckless Imprudence Cases
Acquittal on reasonable doubt does not extinguish civil liability. Learn the rules from Manantan v. Court of Appeals.
Jurisdictional Boundaries: Appealing Customs Decisions and Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Importation D
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why importers must appeal customs abandonment decisions to the Commissioner and CTA, not RTC.
Acquittal Based on Reasonable Doubt Extends to Co-Accused Despite Withdrawn Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how an acquittal based on reasonable doubt affects co-accused and withdrawn appeals in criminal cases.
Campus Press Freedom vs School Authority: Balancing Student Rights and Institutional Discipline in Philippine
How the Supreme Court balanced campus press freedom under RA 7079 with a school's disciplinary authority in Miriam College v. Court of Appeals.
Safeguarding Your Appeal: Due Process and Lawyer Negligence in Philippine Courts
When a lawyer's mistakes cost a client her case, can the judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of extrinsic fraud and counsel negligence.
Invalid Promulgation of Judgment: When Philippine Courts Fail to Follow Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court explains what makes a valid promulgation in absentia and when the accused's right to appeal accrues.
Missed Deadlines Lost Inheritance Understanding Appeal Periods IN Philippine Estate Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how missed appeal deadlines in estate cases can cost heirs their inheritance rights.
Bouncing Checks and the Importance of Written Notice: Domagsang v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court rules that a mere verbal demand is not enough to convict under the Anti-Bouncing Check Law—written notice of dishonor is required.
Third-Party Claims in Philippine Execution Sales: Protecting Your Property
Learn how spouses and third parties can protect their property from wrongful execution sales in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Naguit v. Court of Appeals.