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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Conclusiveness of Judgment: Preventing Relitigation of Established Facts in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court administrative case clarifies when a trial court may still act after an appeal is perfected, and why litigated motions always require a hearing.
Security of Tenure vs Valid Reassignment: Protecting Public Employees From Constructive Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demotion amounts to constructive dismissal and when an employee may be considered retired.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: Understanding Grounds for Dismissal in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a motion to dismiss based on res judicata and forum shopping failed, and what that means for property disputes.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Resolution of Motions and Execution of Judgments
A sheriff's delay in executing a writ and a judge's inaction on a motion draw administrative sanctions in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Efficiency Sanctions for Undue Delay in Resolving Pending Motions
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for a 20-month delay in resolving motions, reaffirming that prompt disposition is a judicial duty.
Judges Fined for Undue Delay in Resolving Motions: A Lesson in Judicial Efficiency
The Supreme Court fined a judge P11,000 for failing to resolve a motion within the 90-day reglementary period, underscoring the duty of judges to act promptly.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Decisions and Truthful Certificates of Service
A Supreme Court ruling holds a judge liable for a nine-month delay in resolving a routine motion, while dismissing the charge of untruthful service certificates.
Timely Justice Reckoning Deadlines In Default Order Motions
Learn how the 90-day period for resolving motions is counted, based on a Supreme Court ruling on default orders.
Forum Shopping in Labor Disputes: Simultaneous Appeals Lead to Dismissal
Filing an appeal with the Supreme Court while a prohibited second motion for reconsideration is pending before the Court of Appeals constitutes forum shopping.
Judge Not Liable for Denying Motion to Dissolve Writ: Administrative Case Dismissed
Supreme Court clarifies when judges may face administrative liability for erroneous orders, dismissing complaint against Baguio RTC judge.
Undue Delay in Resolving Motions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges who unreasonably delay resolving motions face administrative sanctions under Rule 140, even without a specific reglementary period.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: A Judge's Duty to Resolve Motions Promptly
Supreme Court holds judges must resolve motions within prescribed periods; lack of personnel is no excuse for delay.
Motion to Dismiss Clarifies Court's Duty and the Boundaries of Prescription
A look at how the Supreme Court clarified the proper appellate remedy from COSLAP decisions and the boundaries of prescription in land disputes.
Judicial Efficiency vs Protracted Delay: The Duty of Judges to Resolve Motions Promptly
The Supreme Court clarifies that provisional dismissal of criminal cases requires the accused's express consent and notice to offended parties.
Bank of America v. Litonjua: When Courts May Keep a Case Despite Foreign Ties
Explaining when Philippine courts may keep a case despite foreign connections, and why denial of a motion to dismiss is not appealable via certiorari.
The Indispensable Hearing Safeguarding Rights in Bail Petitions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds trial courts that bail in capital offenses requires a full hearing, not just a motion.
When Court Appointments Need No Confirmation: The Soriano v. Lista Ruling
Supreme Court explains which military appointments require Commission on Appointments confirmation, and why PCG officer promotions did not.
Due Process and Timeliness: Strict Enforcement of Motion Hearing Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts strictly enforce Rule 15, Section 5 on motion hearing dates. Learn how a pro forma motion can waive due process rights.
Judicial Efficiency: Resolving Motions Within Prescribed Deadlines
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delaying motions beyond 90 days is gross inefficiency, as shown in Visbal vs. Buban.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Sandiganbayan Justice Fined for Misconduct and Media Stunt
Supreme Court fines retired Sandiganbayan Justice Badoy for conduct unbecoming a Justice and delay in resolving a motion.
False Credentials Lost Promotion Integrity IN Public Service
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for falsifying educational credentials in Personal Data Sheet, affirming public office as a public trust.
Finality of Judgment: Court Warns Against Repeated Motions to Evade Execution
Supreme Court warns litigants against filing repeated motions to delay execution of final judgments, citing abuse of judicial processes.
Security of Tenure in the CES: Clarifying Eligibility and Reassignment Rights
The Court clarifies when a demotion amounts to constructive dismissal, the limits of CBA benefits for managerial employees, and retirement rights under the Labor Code.
Upholding Ejectment: The Finality of Judgments and Timeliness in Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms ejectment, stressing that a late motion for reconsideration fails to stop a judgment from becoming final and executory.