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.
Why Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Lessons from Cadauan v. Alivia
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges must decide cases within 90 days and the consequences of delay.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: Timely Justice as a Judicial Duty
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, its constitutional basis, and the consequences for judges who delay.
Justice Delayed IS Justice DenIED: Judicial Delay and Your Rights in the Philippines
When judges fail to decide cases on time, the public suffers. Learn the rules on judicial delay and your remedies.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied: Judicial Delay and Accountability in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial delay shows why judges must decide cases promptly—and the consequences when they don't.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough for a Conviction in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction, using an estafa case against a judge as the backdrop.
Speedy Justice: Understanding Judicial Efficiency and the Rule on Summary Procedure
A judge's one-year delay in disposing cases under the Rule on Summary Procedure results in administrative liability for inefficiency.
Amended Complaints and Court Jurisdiction: The Que v. Court of Appeals Rule
Amending a complaint to add parties or claims does not automatically strip a Philippine court of jurisdiction if the original cause of action remains intact.
Supervisory Failures in the Judiciary: Holding Clerks of Court Accountable for Negligence
A clerk of court's duty to supervise subordinates is non-negotiable. This case explains liability for neglect of duty.
Execution of Judgment in Ejectment Cases: Why the Court of Origin Matters
In ejectment cases, execution of an affirmed judgment generally belongs to the trial court of origin, not the appellate court. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Misconduct Upholding Fiscal Responsibility in the Philippine Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for grave misconduct, emphasizing the judiciary's strict fiscal accountability standards.
When Delayed Justice Becomes Administrative Liability: The Case of Judge Aquino
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for failing to decide cases within the reglementary period, reaffirming that delayed justice is denied justice.
Judicial Accountability: Judge Held Liable for Neglect of Duty and Falsified Certificates of Service
A Philippine judge was considered resigned for failing to decide cases on time and submitting false certificates of service, underscoring judicial accountability.
Due Process and Judicial Conduct: When Speedy Action Becomes Abuse of Authority
A judge who ruled on a motion before the scheduled hearing was fined for violating due process. Learn the rules on notice and hearing.
Drunkenness and Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in Public Service
A sheriff's habitual drunkenness, AWOL, and illegal firearm possession led to dismissal, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Clerks of Court Must Strictly Follow Rules on Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court reminds clerks of court and judges of strict rules on handling court funds, citing a case of suspension and fine for violations.
Judicial Efficiency vs Unnecessary Delays: The Case of Farrales vs Camarista
A look at Farrales vs Camarista, where a judge was fined for gross inefficiency and ignorance of the law in delaying summary procedure cases.
Sheriffs Duty to Timely Return Writ of Execution and Consequences of Delay
A sheriff's four-day delay in returning a writ of execution led to a fine. Learn the 60-day rule and why timely returns matter.
Palpable Mistakes in Stipulations: Correcting Factual Errors in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may correct factual errors in stipulations when made through palpable mistake, as shown in Atlas Consolidated Mining v. CIR.
Habeas Corpus Territorial Limits and Judicial Accountability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habeas corpus territorial jurisdiction limits and judicial accountability for judges who exceed them.
Nationwide Reach of Replevin Writs: Jurisdiction and Enforcement in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts can enforce replevin writs nationwide. Learn how jurisdiction is determined and what it means for creditors and debtors.
Deadlines Matter: Upholding Judicial Efficiency and Timely Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and file extension requests before deadlines. Learn the rules.
Unreasonable Trial Delays: A Judge's Duty to Control Court Proceedings
When a judge tolerates repeated postponements, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on trial delays and judicial accountability.
Expropriation in the Philippines: Provisional Deposit and Writ of Possession Explained
Understand how the 1997 Rules on expropriation allow the government to take property upon depositing assessed value, and what this means for owners.
Judicial Accountability and Efficiency: Addressing Delays in Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A look at how the Supreme Court enforces judicial accountability to prevent delays and errors in Philippine courts.