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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Speedy Disposition of Cases: COMELEC's 7-Year Delay Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's resolution against a governor due to a seven-year delay in preliminary investigation, affirming the right to speedy disposition of cases.
Partial Summary Judgments: When Grave Abuse of Discretion Opens the Door to Certiorari
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partial summary judgment may be assailed via certiorari, and why a tax declaration case involving BCDA fell under grave abuse of discretion.
Tax Declarations and Property Ownership: When a Summary Judgment Oversteps
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partial summary judgment ordering a tax declaration constitutes grave abuse of discretion, and the proper remedy to challenge it.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman: When Courts Defer to Prosecutorial Discretion
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in public official cases, reinforcing judicial restraint absent grave abuse of discretion.
Accreditation of Political Parties: COMELEC's Authority and the Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's discretion in accrediting dominant minority parties, affirming that courts will not interfere absent grave abuse of discretion.
Grave Abuse of Discretion: Ombudsman's Duty and Limits in Graft Cases Involving Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may dismiss graft complaints involving property disputes and what grave abuse of discretion truly means.
Certiorari as a Remedy Against Default Judgments for Grave Abuse of Discretion
When can a party use certiorari instead of appeal to challenge a default judgment? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Interlocutory Orders and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Recovery of Possession
A party cannot use certiorari to challenge interlocutory orders like a denied motion to dismiss or default order when ordinary remedies exist.
Ombudsman’s Discretion in Probable Cause Determinations Upheld in Anti-Graft Case
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman’s dismissal of graft charges, emphasizing courts only review probable cause findings for grave abuse of discretion.
Ombudsman Must Address All Dimensions of Corruption Complaints
Supreme Court rules the Ombudsman commits grave abuse of discretion when it dismisses a graft complaint based solely on an unresolved ownership issue.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
Courts Must Independently Evaluate Evidence Before Allowing Amendment of Criminal Information
Supreme Court rules trial courts commit grave abuse of discretion when they approve amended criminal informations without independently assessing the evidence.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion: The Limits of Certiorari in Acquittal Reversal
The Supreme Court explains when a Rule 65 petition may—and may not—challenge an acquittal by the Sandiganbayan.
Grave Abuse of Discretion Clarifying Reconveyance Obligations in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that a spouse's written consent is essential to a valid mortgage of conjugal property, and explains the two-bidder rule.
Certiorari Filing Deadlines: The 60-Day Rule and Grave Abuse of Discretion
A dismissed employee's appeal was wrongly rejected by the Court of Appeals before the 60-day certiorari period lapsed—what this means for litigants.
Grave Abuse of Discretion: When a Trial Court's Error Warrants Certiorari
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court's procedural error amounts to grave abuse of discretion, making certiorari the proper remedy.
Certiorari as Exception to Appeal: Grave Abuse of Discretion in Court Dismissals
When can certiorari replace appeal? The Supreme Court explains the exceptions in Martinez v. Buen, including grave abuse of discretion.
Trademark Infringement and Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Upholding Government Discretion in Public Bidding: The Mactan Cebu Airport Case
The Supreme Court affirms that courts cannot override the government's discretion in public bidding, absent grave abuse of discretion.
Mining Rights vs. Indigenous Peoples: Exhaustion of Remedies and Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court in Alecha v. Atienza underscores the exhaustion doctrine and limits of grave abuse of discretion in mining disputes.
Behest Loans AND Grave Abuse OF Discretion Safeguarding Public Funds IN Government Transactions
Ombudsman's Probable Cause Discretion and Grave Abuse in Public Official Cases
Courts rarely interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings unless grave abuse of discretion is clearly shown. This case explains the rule.
Preliminary Injunctions, Grave Abuse of Discretion, and Protection of Substantive Rights
When can a court issue a preliminary injunction against a foreclosure purchaser? Learn the rules from a 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
Grave Abuse of Discretion: When Courts Overstep Their Boundaries
Learn when a court's denial of a motion to dismiss amounts to grave abuse of discretion, and when errors are merely judgment calls.