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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When Does Inordinate Delay Begin in Ombudsman Cases? Quemado v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies that fact-finding investigations do not count in computing inordinate delay in Ombudsman cases.
The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay Dismisses a Libel Charge
A six-year delay in resolving a preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, leading to dismissal.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, applying the Cagang guidelines.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When a Judge's Delay Draws Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court fined a judge for undue delay in rendering a decision, clarifying when judicial delay becomes administratively actionable.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman's inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Understanding Abuse of Rights When Legal Actions Cross Ethical Boundaries
When does the right to speedy disposition become a shield against inordinate delay? The Supreme Court clarifies in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Collao v. Albania
The Supreme Court clarifies who may sue for unlawful detainer and why procedural technicalities should not delay eviction cases.
Just Compensation Interest Rates and Payment Delays in Agrarian Reform
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on interest for delayed agrarian reform compensation, including the reckoning date and applicable rates.
Balancing Speedy Trial Rights With the State's Right to Prosecute: Castañeda v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for delayed prosecution violates double jeopardy and the limits of the right to speedy trial.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Guide to Avoiding Legal Delays
Learn how Philippine courts interpret the right to speedy disposition of cases, using the 2020 Baya v. Sandiganbayan ruling as a guide.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule on Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total due to delayed medical assessments by company-designated physicians.
Understanding Administrative Liability in Law Enforcement Raids: Lessons From a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges face administrative liability for delayed decisions, offering lessons on accountability in the justice system.
How Lawyers' Dilatory Tactics Can Delay Justice: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
Six lawyers were disciplined for filing frivolous motions to delay execution of a final judgment. Learn the rules they violated.
Understanding Judicial Efficiency: The Consequences of Delaying Case Decisions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows the heavy price judges pay for delaying decisions—and what it means for litigants and the justice system.
Execution of Final Agrarian Orders: A Landmark Ruling on Unreasonable Delay
The Supreme Court clarifies when execution of final agrarian orders may proceed despite lapse of periods, and when exhaustion of remedies may be excused.
Navigating Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases: Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A look at a landmark ruling on just compensation, government delay, and landowner rights in Philippine expropriation cases.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Witness Identification in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Supreme Court affirms convictions for robbery with homicide despite delayed witness identification, explaining why silence does not destroy credibility.
Judicial Conduct and Mediation: When a Judge's Zeal to Settle Crosses the Line
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's overzealous mediation efforts, ex parte meetings, and delay in settling a probate case.
Laches in Philippine Law: How Delay Can Bar Your Legal Claims
Learn how the doctrine of laches can bar legal claims in the Philippines, even before the prescriptive period expires, through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ang v. Abaldonado.
Reviving Judgments: The Supreme Court on Delayed Execution and Equity
A sheriff's hasty eviction without the required notice is grave abuse of authority, even when enforcing a final judgment.
Ensuring Swift Justice: The Importance of Timely Case Disposition in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's undue delay in disposing a criminal case underscores why timely case disposition is vital to Philippine justice.
Reviving Judgments When Delays Extend the Execution Period Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can still be executed by motion beyond five years if the losing party caused the delay.
Obstructing Justice: The Fine Line Between Public Duty and Criminal Conspiracy in the Philippines
When does a public official's delay become obstruction of justice? A closer look at Philippine law and the thin line between duty and conspiracy.