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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The Clerk's Duty and Timely Record Submission in Philippine Courts
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinct duties of clerks of court and stenographers in transmitting case records on appeal.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on a lone eyewitness's testimony, explaining why silence during a crime does not destroy credibility.
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.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Court Enforce a Decision Immediately
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict rules for execution pending appeal, including notice, good reasons, and timing.
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.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: Can You Be Tried Twice for the Same Crime?
Understand the double jeopardy rule in the Philippines, its constitutional basis, and how courts apply it to prevent repeated prosecution for the same offense.
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.
Immediate Reinstatement Pending Appeal: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the immediate executory nature of reinstatement orders pending appeal under Article 223 of the Labor Code.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed: The Rule on Immediate Reinstatement Pending Appeal
Learn the rule on immediate reinstatement pending appeal in illegal dismissal cases, explained through the Philippine Airlines v. NLRC ruling.
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.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Learn why paying appellate docket fees on time is mandatory and jurisdictional in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Pedrosa v. Hill.
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.
Certiorari vs Appeal: The Proper Legal Remedy in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn when to file certiorari versus appeal in Philippine labor cases, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Espejo v. NLRC.
Understanding Finality of Judgments and Avoiding Contempt of Court
Learn how the Supreme Court defines finality of judgments and why filing repeated motions can lead to contempt of court.
Judicial Ethics: When Should a Judge Inhibit From a Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge must inhibit from a case to preserve impartiality and avoid the appearance of bias.