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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Judicial Accountability: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, with penalties for delay under Rule 140.
Judicial Competence THE Imperative OF Legal Awareness FOR Judges IN Issuing Hold Departure Orders
When a Judge's Private Misconduct Becomes a Public Offense: The Aranas Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice, clarifying ethical standards for judges and lawyers.
Judicial Integrity: Proving Bribery and Corruption Charges Against Philippine Judges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges for misconduct, delay, and ignorance of the law.
Limits on Complainants' Right to Appeal Dismissal: People v. Velez
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who delay decisions and commit gross ignorance of law.
Judicial Accountability A Judges Duty TO Personally Determine Probable Cause FOR Arrest
Judicial Ethics: The Boundaries of Simple Misconduct for Judges in Philippine Law
A lawyer's unauthorized notarization and certification of documents leads to suspension, clarifying the limits of professional conduct.
Notarial Duties: Judges Must Certify Lack of Lawyers and Remit Fees to Avoid Sanctions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges acting as notaries public ex officio, their certification duties, and fee remittance requirements.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in deciding cases, citing the constitutional duty to resolve matters within prescribed periods.
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.
Judicial Accountability: Delay in Rendering Decisions Constitutes Gross Inefficiency
Supreme Court holds judges accountable for delayed decisions, ruling that failure to decide cases within 90 days is gross inefficiency.
Why Judges Must Decide Cases on Time: The Arbis Administrative Case
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge for delayed decisions, underscoring the constitutional duty to resolve cases promptly.
Judges and Lawyers Face Strict Accountability for Extramarital Affairs
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct can end a judicial career.
Administrative Complaints Against Judges Must Wait for Judicial Remedies to Be Exhausted
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that administrative complaints against judges cannot substitute for available judicial remedies like appeal or certiorari.
Judicial Delay When Inaction Becomes Injustice: A Philippine Case Study
When judges delay decisions, justice suffers. This case shows how inaction becomes an administrative offense under Philippine law.
Local Autonomy vs Presidential Supervision: The Scope of Power in Granting Judges' Allowances
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of presidential supervision over local governments in granting allowances to judges.
Judicial Supervision When Judges ARE NOT Directly Liable FOR Clerks Errors
Judicial Efficiency and Prompt Case Resolution: Administrative Liability for Court Delays
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for delayed case resolution, emphasizing speedy disposition as a constitutional right.
Judicial Impartiality: Proving Bias Claims in Administrative Cases Against Judges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that bias claims against judges need substantial evidence, not speculation, in administrative proceedings.
Judicial Accountability in Case Disposal: Lessons from an MCTC Audit
A Supreme Court audit of a Rizal court shows how delays in deciding cases lead to administrative liability for judges and court personnel.
Judicial Independence vs Local Government Authority: The Limits of Executive Judge Power in Personnel Transfer
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that executive judges cannot permanently transfer court personnel without authority from the Office of the Court Administrator.
Administrative Liability and Self-Defense When Police Officers Face Misconduct Charges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability, self-defense, and judicial temperament in misconduct cases against judges and public officers.
Judicial Overreach Limits On MCTC Judges Granting Bail After Jurisdiction Transfer
MCTC judge fined for granting bail after jurisdiction transferred to RTC. Learn the limits of bail authority.
Judicial Accountability: Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions and Its Consequences
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges liable for undue delay in deciding cases, explaining the constitutional deadlines and penalties for non-compliance.