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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When the Ombudsman Can Dismiss Graft Cases: Ownership Disputes and Certiorari Limits
Explaining when the Ombudsman may dismiss a graft complaint that hinges on a property ownership dispute, and why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment.
When a Final Nullity Ruling Defeats an Unlawful Detainer Claim
A final judgment nullifying a deed of sale can bar an unlawful detainer case through res judicata, even if possession was earlier awarded to the buyer.
RES JUDICATA AND PROPERTY DISPUTES: WHEN A FINAL JUDGMENT NULLIFIES AN EJECTMENT CASE
A final ruling voiding a deed of sale bars an unlawful detainer case based on that deed, under res judicata.
Property Ownership Disputes Among Heirs: When a Void Deed Ends an Ejectment Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a final judgment nullifying a deed of sale affects an ongoing unlawful detainer case between parties.
Limits of Post-Judgment Examination: Protecting Third-Party Rights in Execution
Third-party claimants can vindicate ownership of levied property through independent actions without being penalized for exercising their right to litigate.
Finality of Monetary Awards in Labor Cases: The Tan v. Dagpin Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court's Tan v. Dagpin ruling protects final labor judgments from recomputation after full payment.
Double Jeopardy, Forum Shopping, and the Immutability of Judgments in Family Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, forum shopping, and indirect contempt in a family property dispute under RA 9262.
Unjust Enrichment vs. Immutability of Judgment: Balancing Equity and Finality in Power Supply Contracts
The Supreme Court reconciles the immutability of final judgments with unjust enrichment claims in a dispute over fuel supply between NAPOCOR and Delta P.
Reviving Judgments: The Supreme Court on Delayed Execution and Equity
A sheriff's hasty eviction without the required notice is grave abuse of authority, even when enforcing a final judgment.
Reviving Judgments When Delays Extend the Execution Period Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can still be executed by motion beyond five years if the losing party caused the delay.
When Death Ends a Rape Conviction: The Rule on Death Pending Appeal
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains what happens to rape and lasciviousness convictions when the accused dies before final judgment.
Default Judgments and Due Process: How Actual Receipt of Summons Cures Defective Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how actual receipt of summons cures defective substituted service and the requirements for lifting default orders.
Certiorari as a Remedy Against Default Judgments for Grave Abuse of Discretion
When can a party use certiorari instead of appeal to challenge a default judgment? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Motion for Reconsideration Stays Execution: Due Process in Land Disputes
A pending motion for reconsideration stays execution of judgment. The Supreme Court explains why a writ of execution cannot bind non-parties.
Indispensable Parties in Annulment of Judgment for Failure to Implead Co-Owners
A petition to correct citizenship entries in a birth certificate must implead all interested parties, or the judgment may be annulled.
Redundancy AND DUE Process Balancing Business Judgment AND Employee Rights IN Termination Cases
Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto, but not other civil claims.
Summary Judgment Denied When Contract Reformation Facts Are Disputed
Supreme Court clarifies when summary judgment is improper in contract reformation cases involving disputed facts and mutual mistake allegations.
Reformation of Instruments: When Can a Contract Be Changed
Learn when Philippine courts allow contract reformation due to mutual mistake, and why summary judgment fails when facts are disputed.
Continuing Security Mortgage Coverage Beyond Initial Credit Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when deeds of assignment serve as continuing security for credit facilities, and why summary judgment was properly denied.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under the Revised Penal Code.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Company Officers Face Personal Liability
A corporate officer can be held personally liable for labor awards if the judgment is final. Learn the risks and rules.
Compromise Agreements Resolving Disputes AND Rendering Cases Moot
Learn how a compromise agreement with judicial approval becomes a judgment on the merits, rendering pending appeals moot.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Good Faith Compliance
A disbarred lawyer's failure to comply with a final Court order leads to indirect contempt, fines, and execution of judgment.