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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Finality of Judgments: Why Second Motions for Reconsideration Are Not Allowed in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts generally bar second motions for reconsideration. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and why finality matters.
League of Cities v. COMELEC: The Finality of the 16 Cityhood Laws
The Supreme Court denies a second motion for reconsideration, affirming the constitutionality of the 16 Cityhood Laws with finality.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Why Choosing the Right Legal Remedy Matters in Philippine Courts
A property dispute teaches a vital lesson: courts cannot issue summary judgment without a motion and hearing, or they violate due process.
Finality of Judgment in Philippine Courts: Why a Second Motion for Reconsideration Is a Losing Move
A Supreme Court ruling explains why second motions for reconsideration are prohibited pleadings and cannot delay finality of judgment.
Battling Court Delays: What to Do When Justice Is Slow, Lessons From Bacolot v. Paño
A judge's two-year delay in resolving a motion draws administrative sanction. Learn the rules on judicial delay and your remedies.
Motion Denied Understanding Defective Notice OF Hearing IN Philippine Courts
Philippine courts demand proper notice of hearing in motions; defects can lead to denial. Learn the rules and practical tips.
The Fresh Period Rule for Appeals in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, giving accused persons a full 15 days from denial of post-judgment motions.
Due Process Prevails: How Motions for Reconsideration Can Cure Procedural Lapses in Writ of Possession Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that a motion for reconsideration can cure a trial court's procedural lapse in granting a writ of possession without prior hearing.
Demotion vs Management Prerogative: Protecting Employees From Unjust Reassignments
When does a transfer become an illegal demotion? The Supreme Court clarifies limits on management prerogative in Coca-Cola Bottlers v. Del Villar.
Arraignment Delay Denied: Why Speedy Trial Rights Trump Second Motions for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a second motion for reconsideration may be denied to protect the accused's right to speedy trial.
Judicial Accountability: Delays in Case Resolution and the 90-Day Rule
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in resolving cases, reinforcing the constitutional 90-day rule for deciding motions and cases.
Reorganization and Demotion: Protecting Employee Rights in Government Restructuring
Learn when a government reorganization results in illegal demotion and how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in restructuring.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When Repeated Motions Delay Justice
Philippine National Bank v. Intestate Estate of Francisco de Guzman clarifies res judicata, forum shopping, and the limits of repeated motions to dismiss.
Finality of Judgment Bars Post-Disbarment Motions: Supreme Court Enforces Restitution Order
Supreme Court enforces disbarred lawyer's restitution order, citing finality of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Illegal Dismissal and Optional Retirement: When a Demotion Does Not End Employment
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and the rights of managerial employees in the Philippines.
Procedural Lapses and Contempt: Navigating Court Rules in Contract Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules in contract disputes: motion for reconsideration, hierarchy of courts, and indirect contempt.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why Courts Defer to Agency Expertise
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why parties must exhaust administrative remedies and file motions for reconsideration before seeking court relief.
Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction: Filing a Motion Without Reservation Waives Objections to Improper Servic
Filing any motion seeking affirmative relief without expressly reserving a special appearance waives objections to improper service of summons.
Judicial Accountability: The Cost of Undue Delay in Resolving Motions
When a Court of Appeals justice sat on a motion for nearly three years, the Supreme Court imposed a fine, reaffirming that judges must decide cases promptly.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Necessary Step Before Filing Certiorari
Learn why Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before a Rule 65 certiorari petition, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Finality of Judgments in Forcible Entry: Why Prohibited Motions Do Not Stop the Clock
A motion for reconsideration is prohibited in summary procedure cases and does not stop the appeal period. Learn the rules and the doctrine of immutability of judgments.
When Courts Must Decide Independently: Withdrawal of Criminal Informations in the Philippines
Philippine courts must independently assess prosecutors' motions to withdraw criminal informations, not merely adopt the Secretary of Justice's recommendation.
Work-Related Stress and Compensability of Peptic Ulcer Under Philippine Law
Explains GSIS v. Raoet, where the Supreme Court ruled peptic ulcer is compensable when work involves prolonged emotional or physical stress.
When Love Fades Psychological Incapacity VS Marital Disaffection IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's emotional distance is psychological incapacity under Article 36, and when it is simply a failed marriage.