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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Finality vs. Recomputation: Computing Monetary Awards in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A final illegal dismissal ruling does not bar recomputation of back wages and separation pay. Learn the rules and key dates.
Certiorari and Finality: When Courts Can Still Modify NLRC Decisions
The Supreme Court clarifies that a timely Rule 65 petition prevents an NLRC decision from becoming final and executory, allowing appellate modification.
Final and Executory Labor Decisions Cannot Be Reopened on Grounds of Counsel Negligence
Supreme Court rules final labor arbiter decisions stand despite counsel negligence, explaining appeal bond rules and finality of judgments.
Finality OF Judgments Understanding THE Prohibition Against Second Motions FOR Reconsideration
Overcoming Finality When Courts CAN Correct Void Judgments
When can a final judgment be recalled? This case explains the exceptions to the immutability rule.
Finality Prevails: Enforcing Court Decisions Despite Technicalities in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments in land disputes, explaining why technicalities cannot defeat a final and executory decision.
Sumbilla v. Matrix Finance: When Courts Correct Excessive Penalties in Final Bouncing Check Cases
The Supreme Court relaxed the finality rule to correct an excessive fine in a BP 22 conviction, protecting debtors from penalties beyond the law's limits.
Upholding Finality: Supreme Court Reaffirms Requirements for Valid Motions for Reconsideration in Property Dis
Learn how the Supreme Court protected the finality of judgments and clarified the limits of appellate review in a property mortgage dispute.
Negligence in Appeals: When a Lawyer's Delay Can Cost You Your Case
A party who sleeps on its rights cannot blame counsel for an abandoned appeal. Learn the finality rule.
Untimely Appeal: The Finality of HLURB Decisions and Strict Appeal Periods
A Supreme Court ruling underscores that HLURB decisions become final if appeals to the Office of the President are filed late, even by a few days.
Speedy Trial Dismissal Is an Acquittal: Double Jeopardy and Finality in Criminal Cases
A dismissal for violation of the right to speedy trial is an acquittal that bars re-prosecution. Learn the rules and practical lessons from this case.
Finality of Judgment in Illegal Dismissal: What "Other Benefits" Really Covers
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on retirement pay and allowances in illegal dismissal cases, and why final judgments are immutable.
Finality of Settlements: How Quitclaims Impact Employment Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid and binding in labor disputes, protecting employees from waivers made under duress.
Judicial Conduct Upholding Impartiality AND Adherence TO Procedural Rules IN Court Proceedings
The Supreme Court reinstates NLRC dismissals, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural rules in labor appeals and the finality of judgments.
Finality of Judgment and Contempt: Lessons from the Bihag v. Era Disbarment Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a disbarred lawyer may be cited for indirect contempt and how final judgments are enforced.
Final Judgments in Lawyer Discipline: Why They Cannot Be Reopened
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment.
Finality of Judgment vs. Post-Decision Motions: Lessons from a Disbarred Lawyer’s Contempt
A disbarred lawyer’s belated motion fails; Court enforces final judgment, cites indirect contempt for defiance.
Mortgage Disputes, Good Faith, and Final Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage foreclosure, good faith of banks, and the finality of judgments in property disputes.
Good Faith vs Actual Knowledge: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, petitions for relief, and banks' duty of diligence in land mortgage disputes.
Untangling Mortgage Disputes: Good Faith, Due Diligence, and Finality of Judgments
A Supreme Court ruling on mortgage disputes, good faith, and why final and executory judgments bind all parties.
Res Judicata in Corporate Rehabilitation: Final Judgments Bar Relitigation
Explore how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar relitigation of an approved corporate rehabilitation plan, ensuring finality.
Correcting Errors in Arbitration Awards: The Finality Principle in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when errors in arbitration awards can be corrected without violating the finality principle.
Upholding Ejectment Decisions: Counsel's Negligence and Finality of Judgments
Learn how a client's failure to attend a preliminary conference and counsel's negligence led to a binding ejectment judgment in Mauleon v. Porter.
Backwages and Retirement: When Prior Court Decisions Can Be Reopened
A look at Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran on illegal dismissal, retirement age, and finality of judgments.