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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Finality of Judgments: Why Courts Cannot Revisit Decided Cases
Explore the doctrine of finality of judgments in Philippine law, its rationale, exceptions, and practical implications for litigants.
Final Judgment IS Final Understanding Immutability IN Philippine Courts
Learn how the doctrine of immutability of judgment prevents courts from altering final decisions, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Finality of Judgment Overcomes Presumption of Regularity in Service of Court Decisions
When a court decision becomes final, it binds all parties. This case explains how service is presumed regular and why finality prevails.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Fraudulent Asset Transfers: Labor Claims in the Philippines
When can labor arbiters pierce the corporate veil to enforce judgments? Learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Jang Lim v. CA.
Upholding Final Judgments THE Limits OF DAR Authority IN Land Conversion Disputes
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign court's default judgment is enforceable locally, focusing on service of summons and due process.
Consolidation of Cases: Efficiency and Prevention of Conflicting Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may consolidate related cases to avoid conflicting judgments, save time, and promote swift justice.
Void Judgments Protecting Real Parties in Interest in Property Disputes
When a court decides a property case without the true owner, the judgment is void—protecting buyers who were never impleaded.
Res Judicata and Land Disputes: When a Prior Judgment Bars Relitigation
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata prevents relitigation of land disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villarino v. Avila.
New Trial After Final Judgment: The Dinglasan Case on B.P. 22 and Procedural Remedies
When can a convicted accused seek a new trial based on newly discovered evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Dilatory Tactics and the Five-Year Rule: When Delaying Execution Backfires
The Supreme Court condemns a losing party's dilatory tactics that delayed execution of a final judgment for years, clarifying the five-year rule on execution by motion.
Finality Prevails: Why Attempts to Reopen a Settled Bouncing Checks Case Fail
The Supreme Court explains why final judgments cannot be reopened through belated claims of newly discovered evidence in a B.P. 22 case.
Missed Deadlines Lost Refunds: The Importance of Timely Filing in Tax Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling underscores that missed deadlines and counsel's negligence can bar tax refund claims, emphasizing the finality of judgments.
Attorney Negligence Does NOT Automatically Justify Judgment Annulment
Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence does not automatically justify annulment of a final judgment, especially when the wrong remedy is used.
Finality of Judgments: When Is a Case Truly Considered Over?
Understand when a case is truly over under Philippine law. This article explains finality of judgments, res judicata, and practical rules for litigants.
Res Judicata Bars Re-Litigating Security of Tenure in Agrarian Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how final judgments bar re-litigation of security of tenure claims in agrarian disputes.
Failure to Appear at Judgment Promulgation: Losing Legal Remedies in Criminal Cases
In criminal cases, skipping judgment promulgation without justifiable cause forfeits remedies like appeal or reconsideration. The Supreme Court explains.
Execution of Intra-Corporate Judgments: When Reliefs Align With the Dispositive Portion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a motion for execution may seek reliefs that go beyond a judgment's dispositive portion in intra-corporate disputes.
Execution of Judgment in Intra-Corporate Disputes: Ensuring Compliance with Dispositive Portions
The Supreme Court clarifies that execution of judgment must strictly follow the dispositive portion, ensuring compliance in intra-corporate disputes.
Quitclaims and Retirement Benefits: Protecting Employees From Unfair Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court rules quitclaims cannot waive judgment awards if payment covers only retirement benefits. Learn the safeguards.
Res Judicata: How a Final Judgment Prevents Relitigation of the Same Issue
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of settled issues, using a Philippine Supreme Court case on a disputed deed of donation.
Untangling Appeal Deadlines: Why Missing a Memorandum Matters
A missed appeal deadline due to lawyer negligence can be fatal. Learn the rules on relief from judgment in Philippine civil procedure.
Default Judgments and Due Process: What Civil Litigants Must Know
A bus company was declared in default for missing trial. The Supreme Court clarified the rules on default, due process, and procedural rights.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith Exception for Erroneous Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be disciplined for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent fraud or malice.