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.
Hearsay on the Highway: When a Traffic Report Cannot Prove Fault in Damage Claims
A traffic accident report based only on an eyewitness's account is hearsay. Learn how this affects insurance subrogation claims.
Speedy Justice in Ejectment Cases: Understanding Summary Procedure Timelines in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict timelines in ejectment cases under the Revised Rule on Summary Procedure, using a 2012 administrative case as a guide.
Credit Card Interest Rates: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection in the Philippines
The Supreme Court limits credit card interest and penalty rates to 2% monthly, balancing lender rights with borrower protection.
Due Process and Arrest Warrants: Notice Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases
When can a court issue an arrest warrant in summary procedure cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirement and due process rules.
Dismissal of Administrative Complaint Against Court Interpreter: Burden of Proof in Administrative Cases
Administrative complaints require substantial evidence; mere allegations and assumptions are insufficient to hold court personnel liable for misconduct.
Barangay Conciliation Substantial Compliance Sufficient For Unlawful Detainer Cases
Substantial compliance with barangay conciliation suffices for unlawful detainer cases, even without pangkat proceedings, per Zamora v. Heirs of Izquierdo.
Judicial Accountability in Unlawful Detainer Cases: The Montemayor Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in an ejectment case underscores the strict timelines and impartiality required of Philippine courts.
Judge Fined for Delay in Rendering Judgment: Lessons from A.M. No. MTJ-02-1409
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge for gross inefficiency after a 15-month delay in deciding an ejectment case, underscoring the mandatory 30-day period for summary procedure judgments.
Judicial Accountability: The Imperative of Timely Decision Making in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within reglementary periods. This article examines a Supreme Court ruling on undue delay and its consequences.
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.
Justice Delayed IS Justice DenIED: Judicial Delay and Your Rights in the Philippines
When judges fail to decide cases on time, the public suffers. Learn the rules on judicial delay and your remedies.
Finality of Dismissal: Why a "Without Prejudice" Order Still Becomes Final After the Appeal Period
A dismissal without prejudice is still a final order. After 15 days without appeal, it becomes final and executory, barring revival by mere motion.
Judicial Efficiency vs Unnecessary Delays: The Case of Farrales vs Camarista
A look at Farrales vs Camarista, where a judge was fined for gross inefficiency and ignorance of the law in delaying summary procedure cases.
Speedy Justice Delayed: Understanding Summary Procedure in Philippine Courts
A judge's delay in acting on a summary procedure case leads to a severe reprimand, highlighting the importance of speedy justice.
Amending Pleadings When CAN YOU Change Your Legal Strategy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must consider late answers and jurisdictional challenges in summary procedure cases.