Question

In a civil dispute between two parties, the trial court rendered a decision in favor of the plaintiff. However, the defendant, dissatisfied with the decision, appealed the case to the Court of Appeals. After a thorough review of the facts and arguments presented, the Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the trial court, ruling in favor of the plaintiff.

Discuss the effect and application of judicial decisions in the Philippine legal system, particularly in the context of the given scenario. Include references to relevant provisions of the Civil Code, specifically Article 8.