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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Supreme Court Fines Judge for Delay, Upholding Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for deciding a summary procedure case four months late, reaffirming the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Speedy Trial Rights: Government Delay Leads to Dismissal of Falsification Charges
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan must dismiss falsification cases after Ombudsman's decade-long delay violated petitioner's constitutional right to speedy disposition.
Speedy Trial Rights: Prolonged Government Inaction Violates Constitutional Protections
When government delay, not the accused, stalls a case for years, the constitutional right to speedy disposition is violated.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: The Consequences of Delay in Case Resolution
A judge's four-month delay in deciding a summary procedure case leads to a fine, reinforcing the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Judge Fined for Delay: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly Under Summary Procedure
A judge's four-month delay in deciding a forcible entry case violated the Rules on Summary Procedure and the constitutional right to speedy disposition.
The People vs the President: Defining the Limits of People Power and Presidential Immunity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Estrada v. Desierto clarifies resignation, presidential succession, and immunity from suit under the 1987 Constitution.
Midnight Appointments by Local Executives: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court rules on whether local executives can make midnight appointments before presidential elections, explaining the limits of the constitutional ban.
Unconstitutional Confessions Protecting Rights IN Criminal Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the admissibility of confessions and the protection of constitutional rights during criminal investigations.
Upholding Torrens Titles Ownership Rights Prevail Over Claims Of Prior Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens titles, reconstitution requirements, and laches in land ownership disputes.
Upholding Property Rights: Reconveyance and Damages for Unlawful Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void reconstitution of title, laches, and property recovery explained in plain language.
Fixed Terms for Constitutional Commissioners: The Gaminde Case on Staggered Terms
The Supreme Court clarifies that a constitutional commissioner's term follows the staggered system, not the appointment paper's date, as shown in Gaminde.
Regalian Doctrine vs Indigenous Rights: The IPRA Constitutionality Ruling
The Supreme Court's equally divided vote in Cruz v. DENR left the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act intact, shaping Philippine land law.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay Justifies Dismissal in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Combating Judicial Delay: Ensuring Speedy Justice in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on judge accountability for undue delay, reinforcing constitutional mandates for speedy disposition of cases.
Accused's Right to Be Informed: Why Discrepancies in Rape Charges Lead to Acquittal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused because the trial court convicted him of a mode of rape not alleged in the information, violating his constitutional right to be informed of the accusation.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: Timely Justice as a Judicial Duty
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, its constitutional basis, and the consequences for judges who delay.
Why Only Regional Trial Courts Can Issue Hold-Departure Orders in Criminal Cases
A judge's reprimand clarifies that only RTCs may issue hold-departure orders, protecting the constitutional right to travel.
When Eyewitness Testimony Falters: Safeguarding Justice Through Scrutiny of Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits two murder accused after exposing material inconsistencies in the sole eyewitness's testimony, reaffirming the constitutional presumption of innocence.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Judicial Efficiency IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for failing to decide a case within the 90-day constitutional period.
Speedy Trial Rights in Military Courts-Martial: Inordinate Delay and Waiver Explained
Understand when delay in military court-martial cases violates speedy trial rights, and how silence can waive constitutional protection.
Lost Land Title? Strict Posting Rules Are Key to Reconstitution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with RA 26 posting requirements is jurisdictional in land title reconstitution cases.
Judicial Accountability: Why Delayed Case Resolution Undermines Justice
Supreme Court holds judge liable for three-year delay in resolving a case, reinforcing the constitutional mandate of speedy disposition.
Unlawful Arrest and Admissibility of Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Drug Cases
Learn how unlawful arrest affects evidence admissibility in Philippine drug cases and what constitutional rights protect the accused.
Public Sector Strikes: Balancing Employee Rights and Government Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on public school teachers' mass actions, explaining why government employees cannot strike and the limits of constitutional rights.