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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Sheriff's Misconduct Leads to Dismissal for Unremitted Judgment Funds
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for grave misconduct after he withheld P100,000 in collected judgment debt, reaffirming strict accountability for court officers.
Finality of Judgment and Computation of Backwages in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When do backwages stop accruing in illegal dismissal cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on finality of judgment.
Illegal Dismissal: Backwages and Separation Pay Computed Until Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that backwages and separation pay for illegally dismissed employees run until the judgment becomes final, regardless of who appealed.
Due Process and Corporate Liability: When Can a Corporate Officer Be Held Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor judgments and why due process matters.
Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes
How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.
Finality of Judgment vs Probable Cause: Balancing Justice in Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a final judgment quashing search warrants binds courts, but probable cause for prosecution may still stand.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and the civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the RPC.
Second Motions for Reconsideration: Finality of Judgments and the Interest of Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies that a second motion for reconsideration is prohibited, and final judgments are immutable and unalterable.
Tax Waivers and Faulty Agreements: When Buyers and Sellers Are Bound by Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a developer's unauthorized sale still binds a property owner, and why final judgments are immutable.
When a Case Withdrawal Backfires: The Co It Case on Finality and Justice
The Supreme Court reinstated a withdrawn petition after a promised family reconciliation failed, showing when final judgments may yield to substantial justice.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to revive his case fails; the Supreme Court enforces finality and cites indirect contempt.
Res Judicata in Estate Proceedings: Teng v. Ting on Re-Litigating Ownership
The Supreme Court in Teng v. Ting bars re-litigating ownership in estate cases once a prior final judgment has settled the issue.
Supervening Events and Boracay Land Claims: Heirs of Maravilla v. Tupas
A Supreme Court ruling on how the Boracay ownership decision stopped execution of a final judgment, explained for property owners.
Boracay Land Dispute: When a Supervening Event Stops Execution of a Final Judgment
The Supreme Court explains when a supervening event can stop execution of a final judgment, using the Boracay land dispute as a case study.
Res Judicata in Annulment of Judgments: Prior Relief Bars Subsequent Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a petition for annulment of judgment under Rule 47 is barred by a prior petition for relief.
Upholding Judicial Stability: No Interference with Execution of Final Judgments
A losing party cannot file a separate action to stop execution of a final judgment. The proper remedy is before the issuing court.
Res Judicata Prevails Final Judgments Must Be Respected
The Supreme Court reaffirms that final judgments bind parties, and forum shopping undermines the orderly administration of justice.
Finality of Judgment and Contempt: Disbarred Lawyer's Post-Decision Maneuvers Rejected
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen case, cites doctrine of finality, and penalizes defiance with contempt fines and writ of execution.
Default Judgment in Philippine Civil Cases: Why Timely Answers and Remedies Matter
Understand when Philippine courts may declare a party in default, the requirements, and the remedies available before a default judgment becomes final.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death Before Final Judgment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when death extinguishes criminal and civil liability, applying Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Appeal Dismissed Understanding Questions OF LAW VS Questions OF Fact IN Summary Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between questions of law and fact in appeals from summary judgments, and the proper remedy.
Final Judgment Immutability: No Compound Interest Without Explicit Decree
A final judgment cannot be modified during execution. Compounded interest requires an express decree, not mere inference from law.
Jurisdiction Over Annulment OF Judgments Defining THE Boundaries OF THE Court OF TAX Appeals Authority
Judicial Stability: Why Co-Equal Courts Cannot Interfere With Each Other's Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of judicial stability, barring co-equal courts from interfering with each other's orders and judgments.