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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Corporate Authority: When Can a President Bind a Corporation Without a Board Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president can sign pleadings and bind the company without a board resolution.
Supreme Court: Technicalities Should Not Defeat Substantial Justice in Land Disputes
SC rules procedural lapses should not bar resolution of land dispute on merits, remanding case to Office of the President.
Twin Resolutions and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Heirs of Valdez v. Court of Appeals
When a court issues two conflicting resolutions on the same day, what happens to the case and the forum shopping rule? The Supreme Court explains.
Harbor Pilot Nighttime and Overtime Pay Entitlement Clarified
Supreme Court affirms harbor pilots' right to nighttime and overtime pay under PPA Administrative Order No. 03-85, rejecting PPA resolutions that disallowed such compensation.
Good Faith Purchasers and Notarized Documents in Philippine Property Sales
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on buyer in good faith protection and reliance on notarized board resolutions in property transactions.
Upholding Judicial Duty: Prompt Resolution of Cases and the Consequences of Undue Delay
The Supreme Court fines a Pasay City judge P10,000 for resolving motions many months late, confirming that undue delay is a punishable offense.
Judicial Accountability THE Consequences OF Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
Upholding Judicial Efficiency A Judges Suspension FOR Repeated Delays IN Case Resolution
Upholding Judicial Accountability THE Consequences OF Delayed Case Resolution AND Record Mishandling
Judicial Accountability Timely Resolution OF Cases AND Administrative Compliance
Judicial Accountability: Timely Resolution of Cases and Compliance with Court Directives
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability for delayed case resolution and non-compliance with court directives, with practical lessons.
Land Dispute Resolution Supreme Court Upholds COSLAP Authority and Emphasizes Judicial Hierarchy
The Supreme Court reinforces the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and res judicata in land disputes involving COSLAP, dismissing a direct petition for certiorari.
Independent Assessment Prevails: Dismissal Based Solely on DOJ Resolution Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently assess evidence before granting motions to withdraw information, not merely adopt DOJ resolutions.
Judicial Accountability: A Judge’s Duty to Expedite Case Resolutions and Supervise Court Personnel
The Supreme Court reminds judges of their duty to expedite case resolutions and supervise court personnel, emphasizing accountability in administrative proceedings.
Judicial Efficiency: Judge Fined P20,000 for Delayed Case Resolution
A judge's P20,000 fine for delaying a demurrer ruling shows why Philippine courts demand prompt case resolution.
Judicial Accountability Upholding Timeliness in Case Resolution
Supreme Court rules on appeal timeliness when served unreadable decision copies, prioritizing substantial justice over technicalities.
Justice Delayed Judicial AND Clerical Accountability IN Prolonged Case Resolution
Upholding Compromise Agreements: A Pathway to Resolving Disputes in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court recalls a final resolution to approve a compromise agreement, reaffirming that amicable settlements are favored in Philippine law.
Status Quo Ante Orders of COMELEC Not Reviewable by Supreme Court
Supreme Court explains why COMELEC status quo ante orders are interlocutory and cannot be questioned via certiorari before final resolution.
Voluntary Agreement IS KEY Understanding Valid Arbitration IN Philippine Barangay Dispute Resolution
Learn how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements as binding law, and how filing a second case can constitute forum shopping.
When an Accused Is Arraigned: DOJ Review of Prosecutor’s Ruling Barred
Philippine Supreme Court rules on DOJ Circular No. 70: arraignment bars the Secretary of Justice from reviewing a prosecutor’s resolution.
Judicial Efficiency vs Due Process: Balancing Speed and Fairness in Case Resolution
A sheriff's failure to implement a writ shows how judicial efficiency and due process must be balanced in Philippine courts.
Limits on Delegated Authority: NPC Drivers and Mechanics Association v. NPC
When board members send alternates to vote, are their resolutions valid? The Supreme Court says no—discretion cannot be delegated.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Remedy Against Shari'a Court Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, using a Shari'a court dispute as the case study.