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.
Unreasonable Delay in Resolving Ejectment Cases: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Supreme Court holds judge liable for undue delay in ejectment case, emphasizing summary proceedings demand speedy resolution.
Corporate Rehabilitation Dismissed for Rule Violations and Creditor Opposition
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of corporate rehabilitation petition where debtor violated procedural rules and faced substantial creditor opposition.
When Late Appeal Briefs Get Dismissed: Lessons from a Property Dispute
The Supreme Court explains when late filing of an appeal brief justifies dismissal, using a property dispute as a cautionary example.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Failure TO File AN Appeal Leads TO Dismissal
When failure to file an appeal brief leads to dismissal, the Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter and when they may be relaxed.
Voluntary Inhibition of Judges: When School Ties Alone Do Not Compel Disqualification
The Supreme Court clarifies that voluntary inhibition requires clear and convincing evidence of bias, not mere school affiliations or procedural disagreements.
Preventive Suspension and Due Process: When Filing a Complaint Preempts Company Investigation
A look at Artificio v. NLRC on preventive suspension, due process, and the consequences of filing a dismissal complaint before a scheduled hearing.
PAGCOR v. Fontana: Contracts Bind Government Agencies Too
Supreme Court rules PAGCOR must honor its casino MOA with Fontana, affirming that contracts bind government agencies.
Lawyer Disbarred for Neglecting Client and Misappropriating Funds Faces Contempt
Supreme Court denies lawyer's bid to reverse disbarment, cites him for contempt, and orders execution to return misappropriated client funds.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Rendering Decisions
A retired judge was fined P40,000 for failing to decide 139 cases within the mandatory 90-day period. This case explains the rules on judicial delay.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Facilitating Cooperative Takeover and Baseless Suits
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility in a cooperative board takeover.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Misconduct and Disrespect to the Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath, the Code of Professional Responsibility, and for disrespecting court processes.
Valid Service of Summons on Residents Temporarily Abroad: The Palma Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substituted service of summons is valid for residents temporarily out of the country, and explains when voluntary appearance waives jurisdictional objections.
Valid Summons Substituted Service Permissible FOR Filipinos Temporarily Abroad
Substituted service of summons is valid for Philippine residents temporarily abroad, per the Supreme Court in Palma v. Galvez.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Necessary Step Before Filing Certiorari
Learn why Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before a Rule 65 certiorari petition, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Zoning Regulations Balancing Property Rights and Community Welfare in Urban Development
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning laws, property rights, and homeowners associations opposing high-rise construction in commercial zones.
Judicial Efficiency and Ethical Conduct: Lessons from a Judge's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delay in deciding cases is gross inefficiency and a breach of judicial and professional ethics.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Prompt Resolution of Cases and Timely Transmission of Records
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges and clerks of court of their duty to decide cases promptly and transmit records on time.
Qualified Political Agency and the Limits of Presidential Delegation in Philippine Administrative Law
Explaining the doctrine of qualified political agency and its limits on presidential delegation of powers under Philippine law.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails; the Court enforces finality, cites contempt, and orders execution.
Appeal Bond Rules in Labor Cases: Why Posting the Full Bond on Time Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when appeal bonds in labor disputes may be reduced, and why employers must post the full amount within the reglementary period.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Dishonesty in Handling Public Funds
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for failing to account for P256,530.25 in court fund shortages, affirming strict accountability standards.
Equitable Reduction of Liquidated Damages in Construction Delays: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairne
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may reduce liquidated damages in construction delay cases, balancing contract terms with equity.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Court Employee Suspended After Third Offense
Supreme Court suspends court employee for six months for willful failure to pay a just debt, clarifying standards for administrative liability and mitigating circumstances.
Finality of Judgment: Disbarred Lawyer’s Bid to Reverse Disbarment Fails
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's motion to reverse his disbarment, citing the doctrine of finality of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.