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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Judgment on the Pleadings vs Summary Judgment: When Genuine Issues Must Be Addressed
The Supreme Court clarifies the key distinction between judgment on the pleadings and summary judgment in Wood Technology v. Equitable Bank.
Forfeiture Proceedings and Due Process: Can Summary Judgment Apply?
The Supreme Court clarifies that forfeiture under RA 1379 is civil, not criminal, and summary judgment does not violate due process.
Partial Summary Judgment and Execution: When a Court Can Act Immediately
Learn when Philippine courts may issue partial summary judgment and execute it immediately, based on Monterey Foods v. Eserjose.
Marcos Ill-Gotten Wealth: The Power of Presumptions in Forfeiture Cases
How the Supreme Court ruled that presumptions and admissions can justify summary judgment in recovering Marcos ill-gotten wealth under RA 1379.
The Limits of Summary Judgment: Genuine Issues of Fact Must Be Resolved Through Trial
The Supreme Court clarifies that genuine issues of fact cannot be resolved through summary judgment and must proceed to full trial.
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Summary Judgment and Forum Non Conveniens
Philippine courts explain when summary judgment is proper in enforcing foreign judgments and when forum non conveniens applies.
Summary Judgment vs Trial: When Philippine Courts Can Decide Without Full Trial
Philippine courts can render summary judgment without full trial when defenses are sham or fictitious. Narra v. CA explains the rule.
Summary Judgment vs. Judgment on the Pleadings: When Defenses Are Not Genuine Issues
Explaining the difference between summary judgment and judgment on the pleadings, and when defenses raised in an answer are not genuine issues.
Summary Judgment Denied: Genuine Issues of Authority and Liability Must Be Resolved at Trial
When can a party get summary judgment? The Supreme Court explains why genuine issues of fact—like authority to sue and liability—require a full trial.
Mandamus and Judicial Duty: Enforcing Court Orders in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on interlocutory orders, summary judgment, and the ministerial duty of courts to execute final judgments.