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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Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and the civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the RPC.
Second Motions for Reconsideration: Finality of Judgments and the Interest of Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies that a second motion for reconsideration is prohibited, and final judgments are immutable and unalterable.
Tax Waivers and Faulty Agreements: When Buyers and Sellers Are Bound by Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a developer's unauthorized sale still binds a property owner, and why final judgments are immutable.
When a Case Withdrawal Backfires: The Co It Case on Finality and Justice
The Supreme Court reinstated a withdrawn petition after a promised family reconciliation failed, showing when final judgments may yield to substantial justice.
Res Judicata in Estate Proceedings: Teng v. Ting on Re-Litigating Ownership
The Supreme Court in Teng v. Ting bars re-litigating ownership in estate cases once a prior final judgment has settled the issue.
Boracay Land Dispute: When a Supervening Event Stops Execution of a Final Judgment
The Supreme Court explains when a supervening event can stop execution of a final judgment, using the Boracay land dispute as a case study.
Supervening Events and Boracay Land Claims: Heirs of Maravilla v. Tupas
A Supreme Court ruling on how the Boracay ownership decision stopped execution of a final judgment, explained for property owners.
Upholding Judicial Stability: No Interference with Execution of Final Judgments
A losing party cannot file a separate action to stop execution of a final judgment. The proper remedy is before the issuing court.
Res Judicata Prevails Final Judgments Must Be Respected
The Supreme Court reaffirms that final judgments bind parties, and forum shopping undermines the orderly administration of justice.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death Before Final Judgment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when death extinguishes criminal and civil liability, applying Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Final Judgment Immutability: No Compound Interest Without Explicit Decree
A final judgment cannot be modified during execution. Compounded interest requires an express decree, not mere inference from law.
Final Judgment Immutability and Double Interest Under the Insurance Code
A final judgment cannot be altered during execution. The Supreme Court also clarifies the double interest rate under the Insurance Code.
Final Judgments Stand: Disbarred Lawyer's Bid to Reopen Case Denied
Disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final case denied; Court orders execution, fines, and contempt for defiance.
Finality of Judgment Prevails: When a Notice of Lis Pendens Can Be Cancelled
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that only the court with jurisdiction over the main action may cancel a lis pendens, and final judgments cannot be collaterally attacked.
Judicial Approval Makes Compromise Agreements Final and Executory
A compromise agreement approved by the court becomes a final judgment. Annulment is limited to Rule 47 remedies.
When Customary Law Meets Final Judgment: The Limits of Mandamus in IPRA Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when IPRA customary laws apply in disputes and why a final judgment cannot be overturned through a writ of mandamus.
Orix v. Cardline: Final Judgments, Execution, and the Limits of Prohibition
Final judgments must be executed as written. The Court clarifies when prohibition may challenge execution and the rules on sureties and excussion.
Trademark Infringement Mootness Doctrine and the Dissolution of Preliminary Injunctions
When a final judgment on the merits is rendered, an ancillary preliminary injunction dissolves, rendering appeals on the writ moot.
Demotion Reversal: Salary Differentials Despite Retrenchment and Retirement
Philippine Airlines v. Bichara clarifies that a final judgment on illegal demotion entitles an employee to salary differentials, even after retrenchment and retirement.
Overcoming Finality When Courts CAN Correct Void Judgments
When can a final judgment be recalled? This case explains the exceptions to the immutability rule.
When a Final Judgment Can Be Recalled: Void Judgments and Judicial Accountability
A judge who recalled a final and executory judgment was cleared of administrative liability because the judgment was void and its execution would have been unjust.
When a Final Judgment Violates the Law on Bouncing Checks: Correcting an Excessive Penalty
The Supreme Court corrected an excessive fine in a final BP 22 conviction, showing when final judgments may be modified.
When Courts Can Correct Final Judgments: Erroneous Penalties in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when final and executory judgments may be corrected for erroneous penalties, citing Sumbilla v. Matrix Finance.
Supervening Events and Restitution: When Final Judgments Can Be Overturned
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when supervening events justify setting aside final judgments and ordering restitution of executed amounts.