Res Judicata

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Alburo Law
April 22, 2026

AT A GLANCE

The principle of res judicata means “a matter adjudged” or a thing judicially acted upon or decided or settled by judgment.

What is Res Judicata?

The principle of res judicata means “a matter adjudged” or a thing judicially acted upon or decided or settled by judgment. The essential elements of res judicata are: 

  1. the judgment sought to bar the new action must be final; 

  2. the decision must have been rendered by a court having jurisdiction over the subject matter and the parties; 

  3. the disposition of the case must be a judgment on the merits; and 

  4. there must be as between the first and second actions, identity of parties, subject matter, and causes of action. (Batan v. Mines and Geosciences Bureau, G.R. No. 277730, November 4, 2025)

Two Concepts of Res Judicata

In Aguila v. . Perfect Dimension Corp., G.R. No. 243317, August 4, 2025, the Supreme Court recognized the two distinct concepts of Res judicata:

  1. bar by prior judgment as enunciated in Rule 39, Section 47 (b); and 

  2. conclusiveness of judgment in Rule 39, Section 47 (c).

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