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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Shareholder Derivative Suits and Private Prosecutor Intervention in Falsification Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shareholder suit is truly derivative and when private prosecutors may intervene in criminal falsification cases.
Procedural Lapses and Labor Rights: Understanding the Correct Appeal Process in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn how procedural errors in illegal dismissal cases affect appeals, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings on judicial remedies.
When Time Is Not of the Essence: Contractual Delay and Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when delay in delivery does not breach a contract and when time is not of the essence.
Judicial Accountability: When Judges Face Administrative Complaints and Their Consequences
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial accountability, administrative complaints against judges, and when suspension or dismissal is warranted.
Compromise Agreements When Concealed Property Values Invalidate Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when concealed property values in compromise agreements constitute extrinsic fraud that invalidates settlements.
Accountability FOR Counsels Negligence When Does IT Void A Court Decision
Injunctions in Land Disputes: The Need for a Clear Legal Right
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when preliminary injunctions may issue in land disputes, requiring a clear and unmistakable right.
Docket Fees and Dismissal: Perfecting Appeals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on late payment of appellate docket fees and dismissal of appeals under Rule 41.
Self-Defense in Homicide Cases: Proving Justification in the Philippines
When claiming self-defense in Philippine homicide cases, the accused bears the burden of proving all elements by clear and convincing evidence. Learn the rules.
Barangay Conciliation Substantial Compliance Sufficient For Unlawful Detainer Cases
Substantial compliance with barangay conciliation suffices for unlawful detainer cases, even without pangkat proceedings, per Zamora v. Heirs of Izquierdo.
Equity Prevails When Unjust Enrichment Trumps Landlord Tenant Estoppel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee's estoppel to deny lessor's title yields to equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Tuition Dispute Schools Cant Impose Fees MID Semester
Schools cannot impose new fees mid-semester after enrollment. The Supreme Court explains student rights and contract obligations.
Unauthorized Notarization Lawyers Face Suspension FOR Expired Commissions
Notarizing documents without a valid commission is lawyer misconduct. A Supreme Court ruling shows the penalties for unauthorized notarization.
Upholding Compromise Agreements, HLURB Jurisdiction, and Contractual Obligations in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the HLURB has jurisdiction over property disputes and affirms that compromise agreements bind parties unless vitiated or void.
Loss of Trust and Due Process: An Employee's Right to a Fair Hearing
A judge's hasty grant of a motion without hearing shows how due process protects both litigants and public trust in the judiciary.
Judicial Impartiality Ensuring Fairness AND Avoiding Bias IN Legal Proceedings
Forum Shopping Certification and Timely Appeals: Pascual and Santos v. Tramo Wakas
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority to sign non-forum shopping certifications and timely filing of appeals by registered mail.
Corporate Authority and Timely Filing: Navigating Court Procedures in Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authorization and filing deadlines in land dispute appeals.
Forum Shopping Certification in Labor Cases: Substantial Compliance Protects Workers' Rights
Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with non-forum shopping certification suffices in labor cases, protecting workers from technical dismissal.
Notarial Negligence: Holding Notaries Public Accountable for Improperly Authenticated Documents
A notary public's commission was revoked for notarizing a deed signed by deceased persons without verifying identities. Learn the rules.
Standing to Sue: When an Appointee Can Challenge a Disapproved Civil Service Appointment
An appointee has legal standing to challenge a CSC disapproval of an appointment, but must still possess the required eligibility.
Habeas Corpus and DNA Evidence: Limits of Post-Conviction Remedies in Paternity-Based Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains when DNA evidence can—and cannot—challenge a final rape conviction through habeas corpus or new trial.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules Safeguarding Timely Appeals in Labor Disputes
How a procedural rule change saved a dismissed worker's appeal: the Supreme Court on retroactivity of Rule 65 amendments.