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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RA 10951 Retroactive Application: Modifying Malversation Penalties After Final Judgment
Explains Hernan v. Sandiganbayan, where the Supreme Court allowed RA 10951's favorable penalty reduction to apply even after final judgment in malversation cases.
Revival of Judgment: Equity Prevails Over Strict Time Limits in Execution
Supreme Court rules equity can revive stale judgments when delay is caused by the losing party's dilatory tactics.
Enforcing Final Judgments: When Equity Allows Revival Beyond the Prescriptive Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may allow revival of a final judgment beyond the 10-year prescriptive period, applying equity over strict rules.
Finality of Judgments: Why Failing to Appeal on Time Can Uphold a Conviction
A procedural lapse—filing the wrong appeal—can make a conviction final and immutable. Learn the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
Res Judicata and Due Process in Tax Sales: Ignacio v. City Treasurer of Quezon City
When a tax sale is challenged for lack of notice, res judicata may not bar the case if the earlier judgment did not rule on the sale's validity.
Res Judicata by Conclusiveness of Judgment Bars Relitigation of Equitable Mortgage
Final ruling that deeds of sale were equitable mortgages binds parties in later foreclosure case, explains the Supreme Court.
Valid Service of Summons in Foreign Judgment Recognition: Key Lessons from Express Padala v. Ocampo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid substituted service of summons in foreign judgment recognition, and its due process implications.
Immutability of Judgments: When Final Decisions Can Be Altered
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of immutability of judgments and its narrow exceptions, using a damages case as illustration.
Conflicting Court Decisions on Reinstatement and the Limits of Execution in Labor Disputes
When two appellate rulings clash on illegal dismissal, execution of judgment may be suspended. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Homeowners Association Elections: Clarifying Final Judgments and Upholding Order
Supreme Court explains when a final judgment may be clarified in homeowners association election disputes, upholding the Office of the President's clarificatory resolution.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: What Happens When the Accused Dies Before Final Judgment
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. Learn the rule and its limits under Philippine law.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death Before Final Judgment in Statutory Rape Cases
Explaining how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability, including in statutory rape cases, and its effect on civil liability.
Sheriffs Must Enforce Court Orders: Ministerial Duty and Accountability in the Philippines
When a sheriff refuses to enforce a writ, the judgment becomes a hollow victory. This case clarifies the sheriff's ministerial duty and the consequences of failing to perform it.
Death of Accused Before Final Conviction Extinguishes Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto under Article 89 of the RPC.
When Attorney Negligence Doesnt Equal Extrinsic Fraud Protecting Final Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence, without malice or connivance with the adverse party, does not constitute extrinsic fraud to annul final judgments.
Final Judgment Immutability and Limits of Execution in Land Reclamation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final judgment immutability, execution limits, and procedural remedies in land reclamation disputes.
Compromise After Judgment: How a Settlement Can Override a Final Court Decision
The Supreme Court explains when a compromise agreement can validly novate a final judgment, even after execution has begun.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Payment Becomes Final Despite a Reversed Award
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120-day rule, and when conditional payment becomes final satisfaction of judgment.
Implied Admission: The Impact of Unanswered Requests in Philippine Litigation
A party who ignores a request for admission risks implied admission of key facts, which can lead to summary judgment. This case explains why.
Annulment of Judgment in Land Title Cases: The Jurisdictional Limit on Lost Title Proceedings
A landowner's title was cancelled without her knowledge. The Supreme Court clarifies when courts lack jurisdiction over lost title cases.
When Courts Overstep: The Right to Appeal Void Judgments in Civil Service Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that void judgments never become final, preserving the right to appeal when courts lack jurisdiction over civil service disputes.
Pre-Trial Appearances and Summary Judgment Motions: Pascual v. First Consolidated Rural Bank
Explaining when summary judgment motions can be filed, and why skipping pre-trial remains fatal even with a pending motion.
Third-Party Claims in Property Execution: PSALM v. Maunlad Homes Explained
Learn how Philippine law protects third-party property owners from wrongful levy during judgment execution, based on PSALM v. Maunlad Homes.
Maintaining the Status Quo: Upholding Preliminary Injunctions in Property Disputes
Learn when courts uphold preliminary injunctions in property disputes and why challenging final judgments through annulment of court processes fails.