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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Judicial Accountability and the Good Faith Defense Against Unjust Judgment Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be held administratively liable for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent malice or bad faith.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, with penalties for delay under Rule 140.
Judicial Impartiality: How the Supreme Court Enforces Ethical Conduct in Philippine Courts
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling shows that a judge who suggests settlement terms to a litigant violates judicial ethics and erodes public trust in the courts.
When a Judge's Private Misconduct Becomes a Public Offense: The Aranas Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice, clarifying ethical standards for judges and lawyers.
Judicial Competence THE Imperative OF Legal Awareness FOR Judges IN Issuing Hold Departure Orders
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's erroneous ruling is a judicial matter, not administrative misconduct, and warns against harassment suits.
Excessive Bail Violates Right to Due Process: Lessons from Magsucang v. Balgos
A judge's excessive bail demand can violate an accused's right to due process. Learn from the Magsucang case.
Judicial Integrity: Proving Bribery and Corruption Charges Against Philippine Judges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges for misconduct, delay, and ignorance of the law.
Limits on Complainants' Right to Appeal Dismissal: People v. Velez
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who delay decisions and commit gross ignorance of law.
Impartiality Imperative Ensuring Fair Adjudication Through Judicial Conduct
A municipal judge's dismissal of criminal cases due to counsel's absence constitutes gross ignorance of the law, underscoring judicial competence.
Judicial Accountability A Judges Duty TO Personally Determine Probable Cause FOR Arrest
Execution Pending Appeal: Why Only Appellate Courts May Judge a Dilatory Appeal
Philippine Nails and Wires v. Malayan Insurance clarifies that trial courts cannot declare an appeal dilatory to justify execution pending appeal; only appellate courts may.
Judicial Efficiency: The Price of Delay in Delivering Justice
A judge's seven-month delay in deciding a case leads to a fine for gross inefficiency, underscoring that justice delayed is justice denied.
Judicial Ethics: The Boundaries of Simple Misconduct for Judges in Philippine Law
A lawyer's unauthorized notarization and certification of documents leads to suspension, clarifying the limits of professional conduct.
Notarial Duties: Judges Must Certify Lack of Lawyers and Remit Fees to Avoid Sanctions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges acting as notaries public ex officio, their certification duties, and fee remittance requirements.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in deciding cases, citing the constitutional duty to resolve matters within prescribed periods.
Judicial Authority and Limits: A Judge's Jurisdiction After Temporary Reassignment
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on a judge's notarial powers, the limits of judicial authority, and the importance of following SC Circular No. 1-90.
Judicial Temperament: Upholding Impartiality and Avoiding Bias in Court Proceedings
A judge's dismissal for gross misconduct and ignorance of law underscores the need for judicial temperament, impartiality, and restraint.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly and the Price of Gross Inefficiency
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge P50,000 for gross inefficiency after he failed to decide 49 cases within the reglementary period.
When a Judge Dies During an Administrative Case: Due Process Prevails
A judge's death during a pending administrative complaint ends the case—due process demands no posthumous proceedings.
Judicial Efficiency: Resolving Motions Within Prescribed Deadlines
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delaying motions beyond 90 days is gross inefficiency, as shown in Visbal vs. Buban.
Judicial Accountability: Gross Ignorance of Law in Issuing Erroneous Orders
When do a judge's errors become sanctionable? The Supreme Court explains in this administrative case involving a writ of seizure and a warrant of arrest.
Judicial Accountability: Delay in Rendering Decisions Constitutes Gross Inefficiency
Supreme Court holds judges accountable for delayed decisions, ruling that failure to decide cases within 90 days is gross inefficiency.
Why Judges Must Decide Cases on Time: The Arbis Administrative Case
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge for delayed decisions, underscoring the constitutional duty to resolve cases promptly.