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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Final Judgments Are Final: Disbarred Lawyer's Delays and Contempt
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails; the Court orders execution and cites him for contempt.
When Can a Stock Exchange Deny a Listing? The Puerto Azul Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains the limits of SEC power over stock exchange listing decisions and the business judgment rule.
Res Judicata and Writs of Possession: Protecting Property Rights in Foreclosure Disputes
A writ of possession is not a judgment on the merits, so it does not bar a later action to annul a foreclosure. Learn the rule.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When It Nullifies a Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence can void a judgment, and why final judgments protect innocent buyers.
Res Judicata: How Prior Judgments Impact Future Claims in Philippine Courts
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigating settled issues, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final judgments.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Understanding Indispensable Parties in Philippine Law
When co-owners are not impleaded in a case, the judgment may be void. Learn the rules on indispensable parties and annulment of judgment.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Early in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard for execution pending appeal, using PBCom v. Court of Appeals.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders strictly, citing a lawyer in contempt for defying a restitution order.
Revival of Judgment: How Long Can You Wait to Enforce a Court Order in the Philippines
Learn the rules on reviving a dormant judgment in the Philippines, including prescriptive periods and key Supreme Court rulings.
The Perils of Sin Perjuicio Judgments: Ensuring Timely and Complete Justice in the Philippines
Philippine courts must independently assess prosecutorial motions to withdraw information, balancing judicial discretion with the Secretary of Justice's review powers.
Enforcing Compromise Agreements Navigating Disputes AND Appeals IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final and executory judgments, execution of awards, and limits on modifying settled labor disputes.
Foreign Currency Deposits: Balancing Secrecy and Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that foreign currency deposit secrecy cannot shield a transient alien's funds from satisfying a judgment for heinous crimes against a Filipino minor.
Illegal Dismissal of Ship Captain: When Refusing an Unsafe Order Is Not Incompetence
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's refusal to tow a barge with worn-out ropes was not incompetence but sound professional judgment, making his dismissal illegal.
Default Judgments Understanding Due Process and Timely Responses in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat default judgments and why timely responses matter, based on a Supreme Court ruling on judicial delay.
Sheriff Misconduct in Execution of Judgment: When Enforcing a Writ Goes Wrong
A sheriff who took judgment debtors' property for himself and the creditor was dismissed for gross misconduct. Learn the rules on execution sales.
Redemption After Execution Sale: Ownership Disputes Do Not Stop the Clock
Philippine law gives judgment debtors one year to redeem property sold at execution. Ownership disputes do not suspend that deadline.
Consequences of Negligence: How Ignoring Your Case Can Lead to Default Judgment
A party who abandons their case and loses contact with counsel cannot later claim denial of due process. Learn the rules.
Final and Executory Judgments: Why Appeals Matter and What Happens When You Miss the Deadline
A missed appeal deadline makes a labor judgment final and executory—even if it contains errors. Learn the rules and risks.
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Goking v. Villaraza on Execution Limits
A final judgment cannot be altered through a motion for execution. Goking v. Villaraza explains the limits of post-judgment remedies.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails, underscoring the doctrine of finality of judgment and the consequences of defying court orders.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Accountability: Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces a disbarred lawyer's final judgment, citing contempt and execution to uphold the rule of law.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment: Civil Liability Extinguished Under Bayotas Doctrine
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that death of accused before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, but separate civil action may survive.
When Death of the Accused Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability in Philippine Libel Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how an accused's death before final judgment affects criminal and civil liability in libel cases.
Civil Liability After Death of Accused: Quasi-Delicts in Philippine Law
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability ends. But civil liability may survive through quasi-delicts. Learn the rules.