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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Certiorari Dismissed: Grave Abuse of Discretion and Hierarchy of Courts in IP Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot correct errors of judgment, and direct resort to the Court violates the hierarchy of courts.
Sheriffs’ Duty to Return Writs and Accountability in Execution of Judgments
A sheriff’s failure to return writs on time is gross negligence; accepting fees without court approval is gross misconduct.
Finality of Judgments: The Limits of Annulment in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine courts treat annulment of judgments, finality of decisions, and the strict limits on reopening concluded cases.
BP 22 and Humanitarian Considerations: When Courts May Modify Final Judgments
The Supreme Court explains when humanitarian grounds, like serious illness, can justify replacing imprisonment with a fine in BP 22 cases.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Rendering Judgments
A judge who fails to decide a case on time faces administrative sanctions. Learn the rules on judicial delay and accountability.
When SEC Actions Overstep Legal Boundaries: Injunctions and Prejudgment Remedies
A look at when courts can issue injunctions against SEC actions and the limits of prejudgment remedies in Philippine securities regulation.
Corporate Dissolution and Judgment Enforcement: Rights Survive Liquidation
A final judgment can still be enforced after a corporation dissolves — the Supreme Court explains why in this ruling.
Relief From Judgment Confined to Trial Courts, Not Extended to Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies that relief from judgment under Rule 38 applies only to trial courts, not the Court of Appeals.
Full Backwages for Illegally Dismissed Employees: Computation Until Finality of Judgment
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to full backwages until the finality of judgment, not just until dismissal.
Eminent Domain Just Compensation Must Reflect Fair Market Value AT Time OF Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is valued at the time of taking, not at judgment.
Finality of Judgment: Accused's Waiver of Appeal Bars Reopening of Homicide Case
A conviction becomes final when the accused waives appeal, and the trial court loses jurisdiction to reopen the case—double jeopardy protects the accused.
Immediate Execution OF Support Judgments Upholding THE Rights OF Children
Missed Your Appeal Deadline Philippine Supreme Court ON Finality OF Judgments 2
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a litigant's right to document production in Santos v. PNB, clarifying trial court discretion and NBI examination requirements.
Clerks of Court Cannot Expand Execution Orders: Limits on Ministerial Duty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a clerk of court exceeds ministerial duty by issuing an amended writ that varies a judgment.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: When a Lawyer Can No Longer Contest a Decision
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's belated motion to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment and punishing defiance of court orders.
Finality of Judgment vs Double Jeopardy: When Can a Court Change Its Decision
A conviction becomes final once probation is applied for. A court cannot later amend the sentence without violating double jeopardy.
Authenticating Evidence When Hearsay Testimony Undermines Insurance Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on hearsay and unauthenticated documents in a default judgment, and its impact on insurance claims.
Accretion Rights and Land Ownership Along Riverbanks: Key Philippine Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains how accretion rights along riverbanks determine land ownership, and why prior judgments bind future claims.
Judge Fined for Delay in Rendering Judgment: Lessons from A.M. No. MTJ-02-1409
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge for gross inefficiency after a 15-month delay in deciding an ejectment case, underscoring the mandatory 30-day period for summary procedure judgments.
Judicial Accountability for Gross Ignorance of Law and Delay in Executing Final Judgments
When a judge refuses to execute a final judgment, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on execution and judicial accountability.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Public Interest and Court Discretion in Insurance Claims
When can a winning party execute a judgment while the appeal is pending? The Supreme Court explains the "good reasons" standard in this insurance dispute.
Execution of Judgment: Liability Limited to the Dispositive Portion of the Court Decision
A writ of execution must conform to the dispositive portion of a final judgment. Learn from Solidbank v. Court of Appeals.
When a Final Judgment Limits Liability: Execution Cannot Add Interest
A writ of execution must strictly follow the final judgment. Adding interest not decreed by the court is void.
Void Judgments and Timely Appeals: The Nazareno Case on Judicial Authority
A judge cannot validly promulgate another judge's decision after retirement. Learn the rules on void judgments and appeals.