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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The Limits of Judicial Relief: Why a Court Can't Grant What You Didn't Ask For
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who fail to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period.
Certiorari Limitations: Abuse of Discretion vs. Errors of Judgment in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may correct grave abuse of discretion, distinguishing it from mere errors of judgment in property cases.
Judges' Duty to Prevent Case Delays: Lessons from OCA v. Judge Español
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to decide cases within 90 days—or to request an extension—is gross inefficiency.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes When a Pending Case Shifts With the Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how jurisdictional changes in labor law apply to pending cases, using UST v. Canicosa as the guide.
Breach of Good Faith: Bank Liability in Check Disputes Under Article 19
When can a bank be liable for refusing to pay checks? The Supreme Court explains the abuse of rights principle under Article 19.
Voting Rights and Corporate Governance: Reaffirming Stockholder Rights in Philippine Corporations
Supreme Court ruling on Class B shareholders' voting rights under the Corporation Code, clarifying limits on share classification.
Upholding Decorum and Ethical Conduct in the Judiciary: Fines for Misconduct and Inefficiency
The Supreme Court consolidates three administrative cases, fining a judge and court personnel for misconduct, inefficiency, and violations of judicial rules.
Estoppel in Questioning Jurisdiction: Participating in Trial Bars Later Challenges
The Supreme Court rules that a party who actively participates in trial and seeks affirmative relief is estopped from questioning the court's jurisdiction on appeal.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Consequences for Delay in Rendering Decisions and Issuing Summons
The Supreme Court fined a judge for gross inefficiency, underscoring the 90-day decision rule and the duty to request extensions.
When Judges Face Misconduct Complaints: Proof and Impartiality Standards
Explaining the Supreme Court's dismissal of administrative complaints against a judge and clerk of court for lack of substantial evidence.
Implied Trust and Reconveyance: When a Lawyer Holds Property for a Brother's Heirs
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer holds property in implied trust for family, and why laches did not bar the claim.
Eminent Domain and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation Cases
The Supreme Court nullified Cebu City's expropriation ordinance, reaffirming that due process and strict legal compliance limit local governments' power of eminent domain.
Court Personnel Smoking or Vaping in Court Premises: A Less Serious Offense
The Supreme Court holds court personnel liable for smoking or vaping within court premises, imposing fines under Rule 140.
Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
Habitual Tardiness in the Workplace: When Excuses Don't Excuse Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness, pregnancy as an excuse, and penalties under Civil Service rules.
Regular vs Project Employees: SSS Coverage and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that project employees are still covered by compulsory SSS, and employers must remit contributions regardless of tenure.
Reckless Imprudence and Vehicular Accidents: Proximate Cause in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court determines proximate cause in reckless imprudence vehicular accident cases, explained through Gabriel v. Court of Appeals.
Upholding Notarial Duties Accuracy and Diligence in Legal Documentation
A lawyer-notary's failure to observe notarial formalities draws administrative sanctions, even without deceit. Learn the mandatory rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Land Registration: Blueprint Plan Can Substitute for Tracing Cloth
Supreme Court clarifies that a certified blueprint plan can sufficiently identify land for registration, reversing the Court of Appeals' strict ruling.
Habitual Neglect of Duty Is Just Cause for Termination Despite Mitigating Factors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual neglect of duty justifies dismissal, and when mitigating factors cannot save an employee.
When Bank Receivership Does Not Stop Prescription on Mortgage Foreclosure
A bank's receivership does not automatically suspend the prescriptive period for foreclosing a mortgage, the Supreme Court ruled.
Agrarian Dispute vs Recovery of Possession: Defining DARAB Jurisdiction
When does DARAB have exclusive jurisdiction over agricultural land cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between agrarian disputes and ordinary recovery of possession actions.
Parental Love vs Property Rights: When Family Land Disputes Reach Court
A Supreme Court ruling on ejectment between parents and children, and when a builder in good faith may claim indemnity for improvements under Article 448.
Judges Must Control Court Proceedings and Resolve Cases Promptly: A Lesson from A.M. No. 03-10-250-MCTC
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges they cannot delegate control of court proceedings to clerks or litigants, and must resolve cases promptly.