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.
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.
Upholding Judicial Integrity When Court Employees Abuse Authority
When trial courts blindly follow prosecutors, they abdicate judicial duty. The Supreme Court explains why double jeopardy did not attach.
Judicial Ethics: When Judges Squabble, Both Face Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on two RTC judges fined for a public altercation shows why decorum is a non-negotiable judicial duty.
Sheriffs Duty and Public Trust: Dismissal Risk for Misconduct in Execution of Court Orders
Habitual tardiness by a sheriff is grave misconduct betraying public trust; the Supreme Court explains why punctuality is integral to judicial duty.
Judicial Efficiency Sanctions for Undue Delay in Resolving Pending Motions
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for a 20-month delay in resolving motions, reaffirming that prompt disposition is a judicial duty.
Due Process, Right to Counsel, and Judicial Duty in Philippine Civil Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies due process, counsel of record rules, and forum shopping in PCIB v. Court of Appeals.
When Judges Err on Compromise Agreements: A Lesson in Judicial Duty
A judge's dismissal of an already-decided case shows why ignorance of the law is no defense for members of the bench.
Judicial Duty vs Dereliction: Balancing Discretion and Due Diligence in Preliminary Investigations
A judge's dismissal of a case without proper preliminary investigation constitutes dereliction of duty, as shown in this administrative case.
Judicial Duty vs Oversight: When a Judge's Negligence Impacts Justice
A Supreme Court ruling on when a client bears the consequences of counsel's negligence, and the strict deadlines for relief from judgment.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: Timely Justice as a Judicial Duty
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, its constitutional basis, and the consequences for judges who delay.
Mandamus and Judicial Duty: Enforcing Court Orders in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on interlocutory orders, summary judgment, and the ministerial duty of courts to execute final judgments.
Why Delayed Election Protests Violate Judicial Duty: Lessons from A.M. No. MTJ-95-1033
A judge's 19-month delay in resolving a barangay election protest was ruled gross inefficiency. Learn the mandatory deadlines and standards.