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.
Unlawful Search Evidence Obtained With Defective Warrant Inadmissible In Court
A defective search warrant—one where the judge failed to record the examination in writing—makes the search illegal and the seized evidence inadmissible.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for undue delay in deciding cases, and what the 90-day rule means for litigants.
Clerks of Court Cannot Charge Fees for Receiving Ex Parte Evidence
Supreme Court rules clerks of court cannot collect commissioner's fees for receiving ex parte evidence; reprimand issued in A.M. No. P-02-1594.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Cost of Missing Deadlines and Court Hearings
A lawyer's failure to attend hearings and file exhibits led to case dismissal and a one-month suspension. Learn the professional responsibility lessons.
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.
Credibility of Witnesses: How Courts Assess Testimony in Philippine Homicide Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and alibi in homicide cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Hugo.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in deciding a murder case underscores the constitutional mandate for courts to resolve cases within 90 days.
Double Jeopardy and the Immutability of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A judge who "revised" an acquittal into a murder conviction was fined for gross ignorance of the law. Learn why acquittals are final.
Dilatory Appeals: The Supreme Court's Stance on Abandoned Appeals and Execution of Judgments
When an appellant's delay becomes abandonment, a judgment turns final and executory, and execution follows as a matter of right.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and the Judge's Role
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that a credible victim's testimony alone suffices and that a judge who did not hear all witnesses can still validly decide.
Duty of Clerks of Court to Supervise Stenographers and Manage Court Records
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's duty to supervise stenographers and ensure timely transcription of notes and safekeeping of records.
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.
Court Stenographers' Duty to Transcribe Notes: A Lesson in Timely Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stenographers' duty to transcribe notes within 20 days, and accountability for delays in justice.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A court stenographer's gross neglect of duty leads to forfeiture of benefits and a lifetime ban from government service.
Judicial Impartiality When Prior Involvement In A Case Disqualifies A Judge
A judge who previously served as prosecutor must inhibit from the case. Rule 137, Section 1 explained.
Judicial Efficiency and Integrity: Consequences of Delay and Falsification in the Philippine Judiciary
Explore how a judge's failure to decide cases on time and falsified certificates of service led to dismissal, underscoring judicial accountability.
Judicial Accountability: Supreme Court Reprimands Judge for Undue Delay in Case Resolution
Supreme Court holds judges accountable for delays, reprimanding a judge who failed to decide cases within the reglementary period.
The Clerk's Duty and Timely Record Submission in Philippine Courts
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinct duties of clerks of court and stenographers in transmitting case records on appeal.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Employees: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
A court stenographer was fined for processing land titles for litigants. Learn the ethical rules for court personnel.
Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts: The Responsibilities of Court Stenographers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of court stenographers and the consequences of failing to transcribe and transmit notes on time.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Judges Delaying Case Resolutions IN THE Philippines
Learn the consequences for judges who delay case resolutions in the Philippines, citing the Supreme Court's ruling on gross inefficiency.
Probable Cause and Issuance of Arrest Warrants: The Roberts Case Explained
When must a judge examine records before issuing warrants? The Roberts case clarifies probable cause and arrest warrant rules.