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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Habeas Corpus Territorial Limits and Judicial Accountability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habeas corpus territorial jurisdiction limits and judicial accountability for judges who exceed them.
Judicial Ethics in the Philippines: The Prohibition Against Private Practice for Judges
A Supreme Court ruling explains why judges cannot serve as private administrators or practice law, and the narrow exceptions allowed.
Judicial Ethics: Dismissal of Judge for Sexual Harassment and Conduct Unbecoming
Supreme Court dismisses judge for sexual harassment, harassment of employees, and improper dealings with a litigant before his sala.
Safeguarding Due Process: TRO Issuance and Judicial Misconduct in the Philippines
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on a judge's improper TRO issuance and failure to resolve incidents, highlighting due process duties.
Deadlines Matter: Upholding Judicial Efficiency and Timely Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and file extension requests before deadlines. Learn the rules.
Unreasonable Trial Delays: A Judge's Duty to Control Court Proceedings
When a judge tolerates repeated postponements, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on trial delays and judicial accountability.
Premature Complaints Against Judges: Why Timing Is Crucial in Philippine Judicial Ethics
Explore how the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Sesbreño clarifies why premature complaints against judges fail and timing matters in judicial ethics.
Navigating Bail in the Philippines: A Judge’s Error and Your Rights
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge’s bail error clarifies the strict rules for posting bail and releasing an accused in the Philippines.
De Facto Judges in the Philippines: When Are Court Decisions Valid After Retirement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a retired judge's decision remains valid under the de facto judge doctrine.
Limits of Judicial Authority: Incidental Expenses and Due Process in Post-Judgment Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's P1.2M award for "incidental expenses" shows why post-judgment orders must respect due process.
Ejectment Case Delays and Summary Procedure: A Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reminds judges that ejectment cases must be decided within 30 days under the Summary Procedure, or face administrative sanctions.
Judicial Delay in the Philippines: When Inaction Becomes Actionable Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's delay in resolving motions becomes administrative misconduct, using a Sandiganbayan case as the benchmark.
Ensuring Judicial Competence: Guidelines for Qualifying for Judicial Office in the Philippines
The Supreme Court sets clear rules on oaths, seminars, and immersion programs for newly appointed judges to ensure judicial competence.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: When Can a Judge Be Sanctioned for Incompetence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when judges face sanctions for incompetence versus mere judicial error, citing De Vera v. Judge Dames II.
Bail Hearings Are Non-Waivable: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Criminal Procedure
The Supreme Court reaffirms that bail hearings in capital offenses are mandatory and cannot be waived, dismissing a judge who granted bail without one.
When Judges Are Held Liable for Gross Ignorance of the Law in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for gross ignorance of the law, setting standards for judicial competence and accountability.
Preliminary Investigations: Why Judges Must Follow Procedure — Domingo v. Reyes
A judge who rewrites a criminal complaint during preliminary investigation violates Rule 112. The Supreme Court explains why procedure matters.
Missed Deadlines and Miscarriage of Justice: Why Timely Case Resolution Matters in Philippine Courts
A judge's missed deadline for deciding a case led to a fine for gross inefficiency. Learn the rules on the 90-day period and why timely justice matters.
Upholding Court Authority: Why Lawyers Must Respect TROs and Face Disciplinary Action
A lawyer who defied a Court of Appeals TRO and misled a judge was suspended for two years. Learn the disciplinary rules.
When Does a Judge's Private Act Warrant Discipline? The Calimag Case
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's private conduct becomes administratively actionable, distinguishing serious misconduct from mere private acts.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Supreme Court Rules on Delay and Record Management
The Supreme Court fined a judge for failing to decide cases within the constitutional 90-day period, emphasizing that missing transcripts and transfers are no excuse.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied: The 90-Day Rule for Case Decisions in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, its consequences, and a landmark administrative case.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Gross Misconduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross misconduct shows the high ethical standards required of the bench and the consequences of abuse.
Justice Delayed Justice Denied: Holding Judges Accountable for Court Inefficiency
A look at how the Supreme Court penalized a judge for gross inefficiency, ignorance of the law, and delay in resolving cases.