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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Res Judicata and Missed Appeals: When a Final Ejectment Ruling Bars a Second Case
A final judgment on the merits bars a second ejectment case with the same parties, subject, and cause of action—even if the first ruling used wrong terminology.
Res Judicata Bars Repeat Lawsuits Over the Same Ejectment Dispute
A final judgment on the merits, even if later found erroneous, bars a second ejectment suit involving the same parties, property, and cause of action.
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.
Attorneys Fees THE Right TO Claim After Final Judgment
A lawyer can claim attorney's fees even after final judgment. The Supreme Court explains when and how.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an accused who dies pending appeal has both criminal and civil liabilities extinguished.
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.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Case
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
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.
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.
Enforcing Final Judgments: Legal Interest and the Doctrine of Immutability
A look at how final judgments accrue legal interest and why the doctrine of immutability bars modification.
Res Judicata Preventing Endless Litigation Over Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of land ownership disputes in the Philippines and why final judgments must be respected.
Final Judgments Must Stand: The Doctrine of Immutability and Compromise Agreements
A final judgment on a compromise agreement is immutable. The Supreme Court explains why parties cannot relitigate settled cases.
Enforcing Money Judgments Against Local Government Units: Mandamus and the COA Route
The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus cannot compel an LGU to pay a final judgment; claims must first go through the Commission on Audit.
When Customary Law Meets Final Judgments: IPRA Jurisdiction and the Limits of Mandamus
The Supreme Court clarifies when customary laws apply under IPRA and why mandamus cannot overturn a final ejectment judgment.
Loss of Earning Award Deleted: Final Decisions and Double Recovery in Philippine Seafarer Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments bind parties, but double recovery for loss of earning capacity is barred when disability compensation already paid.
Disbarred Lawyer's Finality Defense Fails: Contempt and Execution in Bihag v. Era
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen final judgment, cites contempt and orders execution of PHP 4.1M restitution.
Clerks of Court and Simple Neglect of Duty: The Migriño Case on Delayed Execution
The Supreme Court held a Clerk of Court liable for simple neglect of duty for delays in scheduling and executing a final judgment, affirming that court personnel must act with diligence.
Extrinsic Fraud and Annulment of Judgment: What Litigants Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud, and explains the strict requirements for annulling a final judgment under Rule 47.
Extrinsic Fraud and Road Lots: When Final Judgments in Property Disputes Stand
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrinsic fraud justifies annulling a final judgment in property disputes, using a road lots redemption case.
Extrinsic Fraud in Legal Redemption: When Final Judgments Can Be Annulled
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrinsic fraud justifies annulling a final judgment in legal redemption cases, protecting property rights.
Upholding THE Rule OF LAW THE Imperative OF Executing Final Judgments AND Addressing Judicial Delay
Clarifying Final Judgments Ensuring TAX Refunds Reflect Court Intent
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified a final judgment's dispositive portion to include all tax refund cases, ensuring the court's true intent prevails.