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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Commercial Litigation in the Philippines: Timeline and Realistic Expectations for Foreign Companies
Understand the commercial litigation timeline in the Philippines for foreign companies, from filing to appeal, and what realistically affects how long a case takes.
Court of Tax Appeals Appeal Procedure in the Philippines: Step-by-Step Guide
How to appeal to the Court of Tax Appeals in the Philippines: who may appeal, the 30-day deadline, the petition for review, and CTA en banc review.
Tax Refund Procedure in the Philippines: How to Claim from the BIR
A step-by-step guide to the BIR tax refund procedure in the Philippines, including documentary requirements, deadlines, and when to appeal to the CTA.
Customs Protest and Duty Refund in the Philippines: How to Dispute an Assessment
Learn how to file a customs protest and claim a duty refund in the Philippines under the CMTA, including the 15-day appeal period and where to file.
Appeal to Supreme Court Philippines: Rules, Process, and What to Expect
Learn the rules for an appeal to the Supreme Court of the Philippines, including what cases qualify, the petition process, and practical steps.
When an Appeal Is Dismissed for Late Brief: The Licup Ruling on Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court nullified the CA's dismissal of an appeal due to a late brief, citing substantial justice and liberty interests.
Double Jeopardy and Parental Rape: What the Supreme Court Clarified in G.R. No. 262846
The Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy in criminal appeals and affirms a father's rape conviction in G.R. No. 262846.
Finality of Judgments: Why the CIR's Appeal in CIR v. Script2010, Inc. Was Denied
The Supreme Court denied the CIR's appeal in CIR v. Script2010, Inc., reaffirming that final and executory judgments can no longer be disturbed.
Forcible Entry vs Unlawful Detainer: Key Rules on Property Possession Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between forcible entry and unlawful detainer, and the proper remedy for appealing possession cases.
Execution Pending Appeal in Support Cases: Protecting Women and Children Under RA 9262
The Supreme Court clarifies when support awards in VAWC cases may be executed pending appeal, protecting women and children from economic abuse.
Free Patent to Minor and Prescription of Reconveyance: Heirs of Timbao v. Enojado
SC ruling on free patents issued to minors, indefeasibility of titles, and the discretionary power of appellate courts over dismissed appeals.
Defective Service of Summons and Prior Unregistered Sale: Key Lessons from Go v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies rules on service of summons by publication and priority of prior unregistered sales over registered levies.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Restore the Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence and misrepresentations cause a client to lose the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall the entry of judgment and reinstate the appeal.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Final Convictions Can Be Reopened for Due Process
When a lawyer's gross negligence and lies cost a client the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall a final judgment to protect due process.
Indispensable Parties: Why an Estate Administrator Is Not Always Required in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an estate administrator is an indispensable party in property disputes, and the limits of raising new issues on appeal.
Disbarment for Misconduct: Lawyer Who Solicited Bribes for CA Justices Removed from Bar
Lawyer disbarred for soliciting P160,000 to bribe Court of Appeals justices, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Lawyer Disbarred for Bribery Scheme and Misleading Client in Appeal
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who collected P160,000 to bribe CA justices, failed to file client's brief, and misled a desperate mother.
Disbarment for Influence Peddling: Protecting the Integrity of the Legal Profession
A lawyer who claimed he could bribe Court of Appeals justices to win a client's appeal was disbarred for gross misconduct.
Heirs Lose Land Claim Over Maysilo Estate After Appeal Dismissed for Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of heirs' land claim over Maysilo Estate due to procedural lapses, including belated appeal brief and defective petition.
Timely Filing of Appeals and the Limits of Procedural Technicalities in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court reminds courts that litigation is not a game of technicalities, reversing the CA's dismissal of an appeal filed on time.
Timely Filing and Substantial Compliance in Appeals: Lessons from Caballes v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that procedural rules yield to substantial justice when appeals are timely filed and defects are promptly corrected.
Lawyer Disbarred for Gross Misconduct and Neglect of Client Interests
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who failed to file client's appeal and misused funds, citing repeated violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Sandiganbayan's Exclusive Appellate Jurisdiction Over Civil Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from RTC decisions in civil forfeiture cases under RA 1379 must go to the Sandiganbayan, not the Court of Appeals.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Failing to Inform Her of Adverse Decision
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for neglecting a client’s labor case and failing to inform her of the adverse decision, which barred her appeal.