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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Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases
When the Ombudsman takes 15 years to file charges, the right to speedy disposition is violated. The Court explains why.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Credibility and Delayed Reporting in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's credible testimony outweighs claims of improbability and delayed reporting.
Safeguarding Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal FOR Prolonged Delays IN Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged Ombudsman delays violate the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Dereliction of Duty and the Duty of Promptness in Resolving Cases Filed by Indigents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's delay in resolving an indigent's complaint amounts to gross neglect of duty.
Overcoming Silence THE Admissibility OF Delayed Rape Reports IN Incestuous Abuse Cases
Untimely Appeal: When Delays in Filing Cost Levi's Its Trademark Protection
The Supreme Court rules that failing to perfect a timely appeal to the Court of Appeals is jurisdictional, costing Levi Strauss its TAB DEVICE trademark.
Accountability in the Judiciary: When Delayed Justice Leads to Administrative Fines
The Supreme Court fined a judge equivalent to three months' salary for undue delay in deciding cases and insubordination, underscoring judicial accountability.
Accountability in Judiciary Fines Imposed for Undue Delays and Non-Compliance
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of PCSO cost of living allowance, holding approving officers liable for refund while protecting good-faith recipients.
Judicial Accountability: Neglect of Duty and the Limits of Medical Justification
The Supreme Court holds that a judge's poor health cannot excuse gross neglect of duty, imposing fines on a retired judge for delays.
Justice Delayed: Holding Judges Accountable for Delayed Case Resolutions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined a Cebu judge P75,000 for gross inefficiency after failing to decide 99 cases and resolve 91 incidents within the mandatory 90-day period.
Breach of Professional Ethics: Lawyers Cannot Exploit Legal Loopholes for Personal or Client Gain
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges face administrative liability for delay, bias, and abuse of judicial discretion.
Judge Reprimanded for Undue Delay in Resolving Motions: A Lesson in Judicial Duty
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the 90-day period to resolve motions is mandatory, not optional, and that delay erodes public faith in the judiciary.
Judicial Accountability When Delay Undermines Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay, clarifying the line between judicial discretion and administrative liability.
Undue Delay IN Judicial Proceedings A Judges Responsibility TO Timely Resolution
Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Cases and Disciplinary Action for Undue Delay
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in resolving cases, imposing fines for violations of the 90-day rule.
Sheriffs Duty to Remit Payments and Execute Writs Promptly: Mahusay v. Gareza
A sheriff who withholds collected payments and delays writ execution faces dismissal. The Supreme Court's ruling in Mahusay v. Gareza explained.
Sheriff's P70,000 Demand and 6-Month Delay: Supreme Court on Unauthorized Fees in Writ Execution
Supreme Court rules sheriff liable for receiving P70,000 directly and delaying writ execution, explaining proper fee procedures under Rule 141.
Timely Compensation Determining Interest on Delayed Agrarian Land Payments
The Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest accrues on delayed agrarian reform compensation, ruling it runs from the time of taking, not from revaluation.
Untimely Relief: The High Cost of Delay in Labor Disputes
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled on laches, tolerance, and compensation in property disputes involving government agencies.
Construction Delays: Who Bears the Cost? Lessons from BF Corp v. Werdenberg
A Supreme Court ruling on construction delays clarifies how courts apportion liability and compute liquidated damages when both parties share fault.
Upholding Ethical Standards: An Attorney's Duty to Avoid Delaying Tactics in Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for three months for employing dilatory tactics, reaffirming the duty to avoid delaying legal proceedings.
Guardian Convicted of Qualified Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Against Minor
Supreme Court affirms conviction of a guardian for qualified rape of his 11-year-old ward, explaining key rules on statutory rape, delay in reporting, and damages.
Compensation and Delay: When Debts Cannot Offset Judgments in the Philippines
Philippine Trust Co. v. Roxas explains when legal compensation fails—unliquidated debts, waiver, and late defenses at execution stage.
Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Delays Post-Employment Medical Exam
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer duties and seafarer rights in post-employment medical examinations under the POEA-SEC.