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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Judicial Impartiality in Philippine Courts: The Cold Neutrality Standard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the constitutional requirement of judicial impartiality, emphasizing that judges must not only be unbiased but must also appear impartial to litigants.
Consequences OF Negligence Dismissal FOR Judges Failing TO ACT ON Cases
When Judges Overstep: The Fine Line Between Debt Collection and Criminal Estafa
A Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability shows why simple non-payment of debt can never be treated as criminal estafa.
Limits on Judicial Authority: When Can a Judge Issue a Warrant of Arrest?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause alone does not justify a warrant—judges must also find immediate custody necessary.
When Disputes Over TROs Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline against judges.
Undue Delay in Dismissing Judges for Neglect of Duty: Court Interpreter Suspended
Supreme Court suspends court interpreter for 10 years of neglect in preparing minutes, stressing accountability in the judiciary.
Excessive Bail in the Philippines: Limits and Your Rights Under the Rules of Court
A Supreme Court ruling explains when bail becomes excessive and what judges must consider. Learn your rights.
Judicial Ethics and Workplace Harassment: When a Judge Preys on Court Staff
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross misconduct and immorality after he sexually harassed a court clerk, reaffirming that judges must embody integrity.
Judge's Authority in Marriage Solemnization: Jurisdiction and Validity Rules
Learn the jurisdictional limits of judges solemnizing marriages in the Philippines and the mandatory presumptive death proceeding under the Family Code.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Judges Delaying Case Resolutions IN THE Philippines
Learn the consequences for judges who delay case resolutions in the Philippines, citing the Supreme Court's ruling on gross inefficiency.
Judicial Delay Consequences: Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days
The Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period, as shown in Lopez v. Alon.
Can a Judge Act as Notary Public? Limits on Judicial Notarization in the Philippines
Philippine judges may notarize documents only within official functions. Learn the limits, the Asis ruling, and practical compliance tips.
Judicial Delay Consequences for Judges and the Right to a Speedy Trial in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on judge liability for trial delays and the constitutional right to speedy trial in the Philippines.