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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Sheriff's Duty: Court Approval Required for Execution Expenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined a sheriff for demanding P10,000 directly from a judgment creditor without court approval, clarifying the proper procedure under Rule 141.
Court Personnel Smoking or Vaping in Court Premises: A Less Serious Offense
The Supreme Court holds court personnel liable for smoking or vaping within court premises, imposing fines under Rule 140.
Judicial Efficiency: Sanctions for Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions
A judge's failure to decide cases within 90 days is undue delay, a less serious offense under Rule 140.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: Undue Delay in Resolving Appeals Warrants Fine
A judge's 106-day delay in transmitting appeal records constitutes gross inefficiency, warranting a P11,000 fine under Rule 140.
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 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.
Sheriff's Duty on Execution Expenses: Proper Handling of Funds and Court Orders
A sheriff's failure to follow Rule 141 procedures for execution expenses and implement demolition orders results in administrative liability.
Sheriffs Duty and Expense Advancement When a Writs Execution Hinges on Plaintiffs Action
A sheriff cannot personally collect execution expenses from a party-litigant; Rule 141 requires court-approved deposits with the clerk of court.
Valid Service of Summons: How Philippine Courts Acquire Jurisdiction Over a Party
Explaining valid substituted service of summons under Rule 14, Section 7 and why it matters for court jurisdiction in Philippine civil cases.
Sheriff Misconduct: Why Proper Handling of Sheriff's Fees Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
A sheriff who collects fees without court approval and deposit violates Rule 141. Learn the rules and consequences.
Strict Summons Rule: Why Serving a Branch Manager Isn't Enough for Corporate Lawsuits in the Philippines
Philippine courts require strict compliance with Rule 14, Section 11 on corporate summons. Serving a branch manager instead of the general manager is improper service.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Doing Business in the Philippines
Philippine courts can assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations doing business locally, even for a single transaction, under Rule 14, Section 14.