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.
Why Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Lessons from Cadauan v. Alivia
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges must decide cases within 90 days and the consequences of delay.
Sheriffs Duty in Judgment Execution: Avoiding Excessive Levy and Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to avoid excessive levy in judgment execution and the consequences of misconduct.
Demolition Requires Special Court Order: Morta v. Sañez and Due Process
A writ of execution does not authorize demolition. A special court order after notice and hearing is required under Rule 39, Section 10(d).
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.
Deadlines Matter: Understanding the 30-Day Rule for Court Decisions in Philippine Summary Procedure
A judge's 30-day deadline under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure is mandatory—delays draw fines, as this administrative case shows.
Justice Delayed IS Justice DenIED: Judicial Delay and Your Rights in the Philippines
When judges fail to decide cases on time, the public suffers. Learn the rules on judicial delay and your remedies.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied: Judicial Delay and Accountability in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial delay shows why judges must decide cases promptly—and the consequences when they don't.
Qualified vs Simple Rape in Philippine Law: The Importance of Clear Charges
Why the Supreme Court downgraded a death sentence for qualified rape to simple rape, and what it means for criminal procedure.
Bouncing Checks: Understanding Liability and Penalties Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court interprets BP 22 bouncing checks law, including liability, penalties, and defenses in the Philippines.
Proving Bouncing Checks Cases in Philippine Courts: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
B.P. 22 convictions don't require proving intent or a pre-existing debt. Learn what courts actually look for in bouncing checks cases.
Supreme Court on Good Faith Bargaining and Union-Busting: The Letran Case
The Supreme Court ruled on an employer's duty to bargain in good faith and what constitutes union-busting in Colegio de San Juan de Letran v. AEFL.
Sheriff’s Authority in Property Levy: What Francisco v. Cruz Teaches About Execution Sales
Learn how Francisco v. Cruz defines a sheriff’s limits in property levy and execution sales, and how to protect your rights.
Conspiracy in Rape Cases: Collective Criminal Liability Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts apply conspiracy to hold all participants in a gang rape equally liable, even those who did not directly commit the act.
Speedy Justice: Understanding Judicial Efficiency and the Rule on Summary Procedure
A judge's one-year delay in disposing cases under the Rule on Summary Procedure results in administrative liability for inefficiency.
National vs Local Amusement Tax: Who Taxes PBA Games in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that amusement tax on PBA games is a national tax, not a local one. Learn the legal basis.
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.
When Can a Judge Notarize Documents? Supreme Court Rules on Ex-Officio Notaries
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a judge's power to notarize documents outside official duties, ruling on unauthorized notarization.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Post-Decision Remedies in Disbarment Cases
A disbarred lawyer's belated motion to reopen his case fails before the doctrine of finality of judgment, earning him contempt and fines.
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.
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.
When Can You Compel Government Agencies to Issue Regulations? A Mandamus Guide
Learn when Philippine courts will issue mandamus to compel agencies to act, and when they will not, based on the Pacheco v. SRA ruling.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to revive his case fails—what the Supreme Court's ruling means for finality of judgments and enforcement.
When a Civil Case Does Not Stop a Criminal Estafa Charge: Trust Receipts Explained
A civil suit to nullify trust receipts does not automatically suspend criminal estafa proceedings. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Judicial Efficiency vs Unnecessary Delays: The Case of Farrales vs Camarista
A look at Farrales vs Camarista, where a judge was fined for gross inefficiency and ignorance of the law in delaying summary procedure cases.