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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Sheriffs Duty Upholding Impartiality AND DUE Process IN Execution OF Judgments
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Annulment of Judgment Is Justified
The Supreme Court explains when a counsel's negligence can justify annulment of judgment and when courts should liberally apply procedural rules.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final judgments in disbarment cases, citing a lawyer for indirect contempt and disobedience for defying orders.
Demystifying Motions to Dismiss in Philippine Courts: When Can a Case Be Dismissed Early
Learn when Philippine courts can dismiss cases early, the rules on final judgments, and why delaying tactics can lead to contempt.
Union Busting or Business Judgment? Understanding Legitimate Closures Under Philippine Labor Law
When can a company close a department without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.
When a Lawyer's Mistake Binds the Client: Property Rights and Negligence
A lawyer's negligence generally binds the client. The Supreme Court explains when relief from judgment is available and when it is not.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Enforcement and Contempt for Non-Compliance
Supreme Court enforces disbarment ruling, cites lawyer for contempt and disobedience for defying final judgment and return order.
Finality of Judgments: Why Closed Administrative Cases Cannot Be Reopened by Complainants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, collateral attacks, and why private complainants cannot reopen closed administrative cases.
Upholding the Finality of Judgments: Judge Admonished for Disregarding Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reminds judges that final rulings are binding and cannot be replaced by later doctrines stated in other cases.
Default Judgments Ensuring DUE Notice IN Philippine Legal Proceedings
Explaining how Philippine courts ensure due notice in default judgments, using a Supreme Court ruling on procedural fairness.
Sheriff's Duties in Executing Judgments: When Collecting Fees Becomes Misconduct
Learn the proper procedure for sheriff's expenses in executing judgments, and the consequences when sheriffs collect fees without court approval.
Surety's Due Diligence: Challenging Bail Bond Forfeiture After Finality
A surety cannot belatedly challenge bail bond forfeiture after judgment becomes final. Learn the proper remedies and procedural deadlines.
Mutuality of Contracts: When One-Sided Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts Are Void
The Supreme Court explains when a termination clause that leaves dismissal to one party's sole judgment violates the mutuality principle under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Sublease Rent Claims: Why Lessors Must Sue the Lessee First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lessors cannot directly sue sublessees for unpaid rent without first obtaining judgment against the lessee.
Granting Bail After Final Judgment Is Gross Ignorance of the Law: A Lesson for Judges
A judge who granted bail to a convict already serving a final sentence was held liable for gross ignorance of the law. Learn the rules.
THE Immutable Nature OF Final Judgments Comelecs Attempt TO Revive A Voided Contract
The Finality of Judgments: When Court Decisions Cannot Be Altered
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of immutability of judgments and why final orders cannot be modified.
Compromise Agreements and Illegitimate Filiation: When Courts Nullify Judgments
When can a court decision be nullified? Learn from a landmark case on compromise agreements, illegitimate filiation, and extrinsic fraud.
Due Process in Motion Hearings: When a Judgment Cannot Bind a Non-Party
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts cannot bind non-parties to judgments, even in motion hearings, without due process.
Compromise Agreements After Final Judgment: Party Autonomy in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court explains when workers may validly waive a final labor judgment through compromise, and what makes such waivers binding.
Defiance in the Courtroom: Upholding the Finality of Judicial Decisions and Consequences for Contempt
When a Supreme Court decision becomes final, defiance has consequences. This case explains indirect contempt and the immutability of judgments.
Enforcing Justice Filing Fees AND Access TO Courts IN Foreign Judgment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on filing fees for enforcing foreign judgments, ensuring court access for human rights victims.