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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Sheriff Duties in Executing Writs: Notice to Vacate and Money Judgment Enforcement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriff duties on notice to vacate and enforcing money judgments in executions, citing Rule 39.
Protecting Your Pawned Items: Understanding Proper Auction Procedures in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect judgment debtors' property through strict rules on sheriff auctions, garnishment, and payment handling.
When Sheriffs May Not Take Judgment Payments: Rule 39 and the Perils of Personal Deposit
A sheriff who allowed a P900,000 check to be made payable to him and tried to deposit it in his personal account was fined for simple neglect of duty under Rule 39.
Why the Dispositive Portion of a Final Judgment Controls in Philippine Courts
A final judgment is immutable. The dispositive portion, not the body, controls. Learn the rule from Florentino v. Rivera.
Unlocking Swift Justice: How Summary Judgment in the Philippines Can Expedite Your Case
Learn how summary judgment in Philippine civil cases can fast-track litigation, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When 'Good Reasons' Justify Immediate Judgment Enforcement
Learn when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal, the 'good reasons' required under Rule 39, and key lessons from Bangkok Bank vs. Lee.
Execution of Final Judgments: Balancing Legal Interests and Preventing Delay
A lawyer's defiance of a writ of execution led to suspension, underscoring that court orders must be obeyed without delay.
Default Judgments and Proper Appeals: Navigating Procedural Errors in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court treats default judgments, appeal errors, and legal redemption deadlines in Philippine civil procedure.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Sheriffs Overstep in Executing Judgments
A sheriff cannot pierce the corporate veil or levy corporate assets for a stockholder's personal debt. This ruling explains the limits.
Supervening Events Resolving Property Disputes Between Ownership AND Possession
When a final quieting of title ruling overturns an earlier ejectment judgment, the latter becomes unenforceable.
Annulment of Judgment: Abuse of Discretion vs. Lack of Jurisdiction in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that grave abuse of discretion is not a ground for annulment of judgment, which requires extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction.
Family Feuds and Final Judgments: When Revival Actions Trump Res Judicata
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when res judicata bars revival of judgments and how family settlement rules apply.
Finality of Judgments and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to revive his case through a writ of error fails, underscoring the doctrine of finality of judgment.
Judicial Ethics When Personal Vendettas Cloud Impartial Judgment
A look at how the Supreme Court reinforces judicial impartiality and the two-notice rule in dismissals.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Timeliness in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the four-year prescriptive period and strict requirements for annulment of judgment based on extrinsic fraud under Rule 47.
Motion for Reconsideration: Timelines and Finality in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat motions for reconsideration, annulment of judgment timelines, and the finality of judgments.
Injunctions in Ejectment: Balancing Immediate Execution With Equitable Considerations
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue preliminary injunctions despite the immediately executory nature of ejectment judgments.
Annulment of Judgment: When Can a Court Overturn a Final Decision in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limited scope of annulment of judgment under Rule 47, which applies only to RTC decisions.
Finality of Judgments Curbing Dilatory Tactics in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final and executory judgments, stopping endless motions that delay property execution and justice.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Impartiality AND DUE Process IN Execution OF Judgments
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Annulment of Judgment Is Justified
The Supreme Court explains when a counsel's negligence can justify annulment of judgment and when courts should liberally apply procedural rules.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final judgments in disbarment cases, citing a lawyer for indirect contempt and disobedience for defying orders.
Demystifying Motions to Dismiss in Philippine Courts: When Can a Case Be Dismissed Early
Learn when Philippine courts can dismiss cases early, the rules on final judgments, and why delaying tactics can lead to contempt.
Union Busting or Business Judgment? Understanding Legitimate Closures Under Philippine Labor Law
When can a company close a department without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.