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 Airlines Can Escape Liability: Bad Faith and Fortuitous Events in Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when a typhoon-caused flight delay absolves an airline from moral damages claims under Philippine law.
Flight Delay Liability: Fortuitous Events and Bad Faith in Breach of Contract
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when airlines are liable for flight delays—fortuitous events and bad faith explained.
When a Carrier's Delay Is a Fortuitous Event: Moral Damages in Breach of Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when moral damages are recoverable for breach of contract of carriage and why a typhoon-caused delay absolved Northwest Airlines.
Prescription in Labor Disputes: The Importance of Timely Execution of NLRC Decisions
A Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for executing NLRC decisions and the consequences of delay in enforcing labor judgments.
Sheriffs Duty Timely Reporting In Writ Execution Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs mandatory duty to file periodic returns in writ execution, imposing administrative liability for delay.
Untimely Filing: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules in Labor Disputes
A three-day delay doomed a petition in a labor case, as the Supreme Court reaffirmed that the 60-day
Disbarment for Gross Misconduct: When a Labor Arbiter Delays Justice
A labor arbiter's two-year delay in acting on a motion for execution and refusal to amend a writ led to his disbarment for gross misconduct and gross ignorance of the law.
When a Criminal Judgment Lapses: Prescription of Penalty vs. Civil Liability
A 20-year delay in executing a criminal judgment: the penalty prescribes differently from civil liability. Learn the rules from a 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
Forged Signatures and Property Rights: How Laches and Prescription Can Defeat a Land Claim
A Supreme Court ruling shows why delay can destroy a landowner's claim, even when fraud is alleged, and how laches and prescription bar stale property suits.
Clerks of Court Upholding Fiscal Responsibility and Timely Remittances of Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for delayed fund remittances, imposing fines for neglect of duty.
Court Employee Fined for Delayed Deposit of Judiciary Funds: Accountability Rules
Court employee fined P10,000 for delayed remittance of judiciary funds; SC clarifies duty to deposit collections within 24 hours.
Negligence in Appeals: When a Lawyer's Delay Can Cost You Your Case
A party who sleeps on its rights cannot blame counsel for an abandoned appeal. Learn the finality rule.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Value at Time of Taking Plus Interest for Delay
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation is based on fair market value at the time of taking, plus legal interest for delayed payment.
Amending Complaints Upholding Justice AND Preventing Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on consolidating reivindicatory and cancellation of title actions to avoid conflicting decisions and delay.
Upholding Court Authority Disregarding Orders Constitutes Contempt
The Supreme Court affirms that a party disregarding court orders and delaying proceedings may face dismissal of its case and liability for damages.
Judicial Accountability: When Is a Collegiate Court Justice Liable for Undue Delay?
The Supreme Court acquitted three Court of Appeals justices of undue delay, clarifying that liability follows the division that actually decides a case, not the one that inherited it.
Suspension of Arraignment, DOJ Review, and the Right to Speedy Trial in Copyright Cases
Explaining when courts may suspend arraignment pending DOJ review and how delay affects the right to speedy trial in copyright infringement cases.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Overcomes Delay and Apparent Inconsistencies
Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed report and acceptance of money do not destroy her credibility.
Surety Agreements, Demand Requirements, and Interest on Delayed Payments: G.R. No. 280513 Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for deficiency payment is valid, and why a statement of account must be substantiated.
Defining the Duty of a Company-Designated Physician in Seafarer Disability Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how promptly a company-designated physician must assess a seafarer's fitness to work, and what happens when that duty is delayed.
Breach of Contract Remedies for Condominium Delivery Delays in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects condominium buyers when developers delay delivery, including refund rights and interest rules under PD 957.
Writ of Possession Is Ministerial: Court Limits on Judges' Discretion in Foreclosure Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies writ of possession is ministerial after foreclosure, and judges who delay it face administrative sanctions.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When Judicial Efficiency Becomes a Disciplinary Matter
A judge's 11-year delay in deciding an ejectment case leads to a P40,000 fine and a stern warning from the Supreme Court.