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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Certiorari and Grave Abuse of Discretion: Limits on Reviewing Judicial Actions in Damage Suits
The Supreme Court explains when certiorari may question judicial rulings, distinguishing errors of jurisdiction from errors of judgment.
Independent Assessment Prevails: Dismissal Based Solely on DOJ Resolution Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently assess evidence before granting motions to withdraw information, not merely adopt DOJ resolutions.
Probable Cause VS Grave Abuse OF Discretion Navigating THE Prosecutors Role IN Criminal Cases
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Examining the Dismissal of Rape Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss a rape case for lack of probable cause, and when such dismissal constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
When Prosecutors Must Be Compelled: Grave Abuse of Discretion in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel prosecutors to include accused persons in an Information, explaining the limits of prosecutorial discretion.
Preliminary Injunctions: Why Courts Must Hear Both Sides Before Issuing One
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a judge commits grave abuse of discretion by issuing a preliminary injunction without letting the opposing party finish presenting evidence.
When Can a Prosecutor Dismiss Cases Without Ombudsman Approval? Soriano v. Marcelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when city prosecutors may dismiss cases against public officers without Ombudsman approval, and what constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Certiorari Establishing Grave Abuse OF Discretion IN Labor Disputes
Ombudsman Discretion in Preliminary Investigations: Limits of Judicial Review in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of judicial review over prosecutorial findings in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the standard of grave abuse of discretion.
Certiorari Limits: When Factual Errors Do Not Justify Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court clarifies that Rule 45 certiorari cannot correct mere factual errors, only grave abuse of discretion.
Motion to Defer Arraignment Denied: Understanding Grave Abuse of Discretion in Philippine Courts
When can a judge's refusal to postpone arraignment amount to grave abuse of discretion? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial discretion.
Preliminary Injunctions and Grave Abuse of Discretion: What Philippine Courts Require
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error becomes grave abuse of discretion, using a preliminary investigation case as guide.
SEC Cease and Desist Orders: When Regulatory Action Violates Due Process
The Supreme Court ruled the SEC acted with grave abuse of discretion by issuing a cease and desist order without proper investigation.
Probable Cause and Abuse of Discretion: Navigating DOJ Decisions in the Philippines
When can courts overturn a DOJ Secretary's ruling on probable cause? Learn the high bar of grave abuse of discretion.
Ombudsman Investigations in the Philippines: Grave Abuse of Discretion and Your Rights
Understand how Philippine courts review Ombudsman dismissals, the doctrine of conclusiveness of judgment, and appeal rules under Rule 45.
The Limits of Judicial Discretion: Understanding Grave Abuse in Philippine Law
When is a judge's error "grave abuse of discretion"? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine and its limits in this 2006 ruling.
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.
Grave Abuse of Discretion in Demurrer to Evidence: When Can an Interlocutory Order Be Challenged
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges commit grave abuse of discretion in granting demurrers to evidence and how interlocutory orders may be challenged.
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion: When Acquittal Can Be Challenged
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an acquittal can be challenged and the limits of double jeopardy protection.
Judicial Discretion vs Abuse: When Judges Overstep in Issuing Restraining Orders
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's issuance of a TRO without bond or application constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Upholding the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Defer to Probable Cause Findings in the Philippines
Philippine courts generally defer to the Ombudsman's finding of probable cause, absent grave abuse of discretion. Learn what this means for respondents in administrative cases.
Certiorari Limitations: Abuse of Discretion vs. Errors of Judgment in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may correct grave abuse of discretion, distinguishing it from mere errors of judgment in property cases.
Grave Abuse of Discretion: When Denial of a Petition for Relief Is Proper
The Supreme Court clarifies when a court's denial of a petition for relief from judgment amounts to grave abuse of discretion.