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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Respect in Court: The Limits of Zealous Advocacy and Attorney Contempt
A lawyer's zeal must yield to courtroom decorum. The Supreme Court affirms direct contempt for an attorney who challenged and insulted the judge.
Judicial Ethics: Impartiality and Decorum in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that intemperate speech and offensive attacks on fellow magistrates violate the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Judicial Responsibility: A Judge's Duty to Supervise Court Personnel and Prevent Abuse
In Santos v. Judge Silva, the Supreme Court held that judges answer for court personnel they fail to supervise, even when a clerk expands a demolition writ.
The Limits of a Judge's Power in Preliminary Investigation: Lessons from Cabarloc v. Cabusora
A municipal judge cannot downgrade a murder charge or order the release of accused during preliminary investigation—that power belongs to the prosecutor.
Limits of Judicial Authority: Understanding Preliminary Investigations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that judges conducting preliminary investigations cannot reclassify crimes—that power belongs to the prosecutor.
Judicial Delay: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly in the Philippines
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, the consequences of delay, and practical lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Judicial Integrity Gross Immorality AS Grounds FOR Dismissal OF Judges IN THE Philippines
No Bail Hearing A Judge's Costly Mistake and Your Rights in Philippine Criminal Procedure
A judge who grants bail in a capital offense without a hearing commits gross ignorance of the law. Learn your rights.
Battling Court Delays: Understanding Summary Procedure Violations in the Philippines
A judge's fine for granting extensions and delaying a forcible entry case—what the Supreme Court ruling means for speedy justice.
Timely Justice: A Judge's Duty to Act Promptly on Injunction Prayers
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delaying action on a preliminary injunction prayer—even for good reasons—undermines justice and invites sanctions.
Upholding Judicial Impartiality: Lessons from a Judge's Delay in Deciding Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in resolving cases underscores the duty of magistrates to act with dispatch and impartiality.
Sheriffs and Judges: Upholding Impartiality and Integrity in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in resolving cases underscores the ethical duties of court officials and the importance of timely justice.
Combating Judicial Delay: Ensuring Speedy Justice in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on judge accountability for undue delay, reinforcing constitutional mandates for speedy disposition of cases.
Judicial Delay: Understanding the 90-Day Rule for Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. Learn the rule, its legal basis, and consequences of delay.
Simulated Sale or Real Deal: How Philippine Courts Protect Property Owners From False Contracts
Philippine courts distinguish real estate mortgages from pacto de retro sales. Learn how judges protect property owners from fraudulent contracts.
When Can a Philippine Judge Act as Notary Public? Limits and Unauthorized Practice of Law
Philippine MTC judges may notarize only court-related documents, not private deeds. Learn the limits and penalties from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Can Judges Notarize Documents? The Villareal Case on Ex-Officio Notaries
A Supreme Court ruling on when MTC judges may notarize documents, and the limits of their ex-officio notary powers.
Zero Tolerance for Dishonesty: Supreme Court Upholds Integrity in Public Service
The Supreme Court cancels the appointment of a court utility worker who forged a judge's signature, reaffirming that dishonesty disqualifies anyone from government service.
Lost Property Due to Foreclosure: Understanding Notice Requirements in the Philippines
A judge who ignored a TRO and demolished a home was disciplined. Learn the notice rules that protect property rights in Philippine foreclosure and ejectment cases.
Respecting the Court: Judicial Ethics and the Limits of Free Speech for Philippine Judges
What happens when a judge attacks the Supreme Court? A lesson in judicial ethics, free speech limits, and the duty of magistrates.
Understanding Indirect Contempt and Habeas Corpus: Lessons from Rodriguez v. Bonifacio
A judge's suspension for mishandling contempt and habeas corpus proceedings, and the procedural rules every litigant should know.
When a Judge Misuses Contempt Powers: The Ma Jing Habeas Corpus Case
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges cross the line from enforcing orders to abusing contempt powers, with lessons for litigants and magistrates.
Maintaining Impartiality: Why a Judge's Demeanor Matters in Philippine Courts
A judge's private talks with a litigant can create an appearance of bias. The Supreme Court explains why demeanor and perceived impartiality matter.
Why Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Lessons from Cadauan v. Alivia
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges must decide cases within 90 days and the consequences of delay.