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.
Verifying Arbitral Awards: Authenticity Requirements Under Philippine Arbitration Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unverified copies of arbitral awards cannot support court confirmation orders, explaining verification requirements under R.A. 876.
Personal Surety Liability vs Corporate Rights: When Banks Lose Their Claim
A bank's unauthorized extension of credit deadlines releases personal sureties from liability, even when they signed a continuing guaranty.
Judicial Efficiency: Sanctions for Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions
A judge's failure to decide cases within 90 days is undue delay, a less serious offense under Rule 140.
Retroactivity of Remedial Laws: Clarifying the Period for Filing Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions is counted, applying amended procedural rules retroactively.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly and the Price of Gross Inefficiency
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge P50,000 for gross inefficiency after he failed to decide 49 cases within the reglementary period.
Reviving the Pursuit of Justice: Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription rules for anti-graft cases and the Ombudsman's duty to investigate, not dismiss, based on valid laws.
Upholding Mortgage Foreclosure Waiver and Estoppel in Property Redemption
A mortgagor who attempts to redeem foreclosed property waives defects in the foreclosure sale and is estopped from later challenging its validity.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
When a Lawyer's Missed Deadline Costs a Client's Case: Ramos v. Dajoyag
A lawyer's failure to file a petition on time is negligence, not excusable error. Learn the duty of diligence.
Presidential Authority vs Legislative Power in Reorganizing Government Agencies
Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, distinguishing it from legislative authority.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Case Resolution and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed case decisions underscores the duty of Philippine judges to resolve cases within reglementary periods.
Attorney Negligence Upholding Diligence AND Accountability IN Legal Representation
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief led to a one-year suspension, reinforcing the duty of diligence in legal representation.
Judicial Conduct When Judges Overstep Boundaries In Replevin Cases
A judge's delay in deciding an ejectment case leads to reprimand, clarifying judicial accountability versus judicial errors.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in deciding a murder case underscores the constitutional mandate for courts to resolve cases within 90 days.
Conclusiveness of Judgment: When Prior Rulings Bind Future Cases
Learn how the doctrine of conclusiveness of judgment prevents relitigation of settled issues between the same parties, even in different cases.
Judicial Accountability: Health Issues vs Duty to Decide Cases Promptly
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's health condition can mitigate—but not excuse—delay in deciding cases.
Option Contract vs Contract to Sell: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an option contract and a contract to sell in real estate transactions.
Certiorari 60-Day Period Counted From Denial of Reconsideration
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day certiorari period runs from denial of reconsideration, applying procedural rules retroactively.
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.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay Justifies Dismissal in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal: The Vitarich Case
Philippine law requires more than an employer's mere assertion of lost trust to justify dismissal. Learn the rules from Vitarich v. NLRC.
Pactum Commissorium: Why Automatic Property Grab in Loan Agreements Is Illegal in the Philippines
Philippine law bans pactum commissorium—automatic property forfeiture in loans. Learn the rule, the Marino v. Salcedo case, and your rights.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: Timely Justice as a Judicial Duty
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, its constitutional basis, and the consequences for judges who delay.
Finality of Judgment: When an Annulled Decision Can Be Reinstated
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a set-aside judgment may be reinstated and why final and executory rulings cannot be resurrected.