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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When Failure to Appear at Pre-Trial Does Not Merit Dismissal: Lessons from Anson Trade Center v. Pacific Banki
The Supreme Court clarifies when a plaintiff's non-appearance at pre-trial may be excused, balancing procedural rules against substantial 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.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Accountability and Admissibility of Confessions
Supreme Court affirms conviction for kidnapping for ransom with homicide, clarifying conspiracy liability and rules on extra-judicial confessions.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Grandfather's Betrayal of Trust and the Testimony of a Child Victim
The Supreme Court affirms a grandfather's qualified rape conviction, relying on the credible testimony of his young granddaughter and medical evidence.
Three-Term Limit: Voluntary Relinquishment vs. Interruption in Public Office
When a local official wins a higher post mid-term, does the three-term limit reset? The Supreme Court clarifies in Bolos v. COMELEC.
When Substantial Justice Prevails Over Late Appeal Briefs: Bigornia v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court reinstates an appeal dismissed for a late brief, holding that procedural rules serve—not suppress—substantial justice.
Judicial Inefficiency Retired Judge Fined FOR Case Delays AND Neglect OF Duty
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Execution Pending Appeal and the Motion for Reconsideration Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when discretionary execution may issue and why a pending motion for reconsideration bars it.
Certification Elections: No Forum Shopping Certificate, Union Legitimacy Rules
Supreme Court clarifies that certification election petitions need no non-forum shopping certificate and explains union legitimacy rules in labor disputes.
Judicial Conduct Upholding Impartiality AND Dispelling Appearance OF Bias IN THE Philippine Judiciary
Sufficiency OF Information Conspiracy AND THE Anti Graft LAW
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Market Value vs. Statutory Factors
The Supreme Court rules that courts must follow Section 17 of RA 6657 and DAR formulas, not just market data, in fixing just compensation.
Court Personnel Accountability: Dismissal for Fund Shortages and Dishonesty
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court employee for P147,972.60 in fund shortages, missing receipts, and dishonest collection practices.
Accountability Above Procedure Mayors Cannot Bypass Essential Checks IN Fund Disbursement
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence IN Philippine Courts 2
When Can a Court Interfere With Another Court's Judgment? Lessons From Jimmy T. Go
The Supreme Court explains the doctrine of non-interference between co-equal courts and when injunctions against execution are improper.
Revival of Judgment Safeguarding Property Rights After Forcible Entry
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner recovery actions, tenant protections under P.D. 1517, and property rights enforcement.
Mortgage Validity and Foreclosure: Protecting Property Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgage is void, how redemption periods work, and why prior judgments bind parties in foreclosure disputes.
Breach OF Trust Dismissal FOR Misappropriation OF Court Funds IN THE Philippines
Constructive Dismissal and Abandonment: When a Work Reduction Scheme Becomes Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between constructive dismissal and abandonment in labor cases, ruling on a hotel's work reduction scheme.
In Ejectment, Courts Cannot Decide Issues Beyond the Pleadings
In Sioson v. Heirs of Avanceña, the Court rules ejectment courts cannot adjudicate claims over property not alleged in the complaint—only the disputed lot's possession is at issue.
Ejectment and Intervention: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment cases, intervention timing, and the rights of non-parties bound by judgments.