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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Trial in Absentia and Due Process: Lessons from Parada vs. Judge Veneracion
When can trial proceed without the accused? The Supreme Court clarifies the constitutional requirements for trial in absentia in the Philippines.
Proving Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the four-fold test for employer-employee relationship in the Philippines, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Progress Homes v. NLRC.
Recall Elections: Understanding the 25% Voter Requirement in the Philippines
Philippine law requires at least 25% of registered voters to initiate a recall petition. The Supreme Court explains why one person cannot start it.
Indirect Contempt in the Philippines: Due Process and Enforcement of Court Orders
Explaining indirect contempt under Rule 71, due process requirements, and how courts enforce final orders through summary proceedings.
Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Understand the difference between resignation and illegal dismissal in the Philippines, and learn the rights and obligations of employees and employers.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal in the Philippines: Rights and Limits After Conviction
Can a convicted person withdraw a criminal appeal in the Philippines? People v. Redulosa explains the right, limits, and consequences.
Mixed Union Membership When Supervisors Cant Join Rank AND File Unions IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a union mixing rank-and-file and supervisory employees cannot file for certification election.
Mortgage Foreclosure Surplus: Mortgagor Rights to Excess Bid Proceeds in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgagor rights to surplus proceeds from extrajudicial foreclosure sales and writ of possession.
When Can a Company Lay Off Employees? Understanding Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee layoffs explained: valid dismissal requires just cause and due process. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Ombudsman's Power to Prosecute: Understanding Its Limits and Scope in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute public officials under R.A. 6770, clarifying constitutional limits.
Obeying Orders: Understanding Criminal Liability for Public Officials in the Philippines
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute public officials, explaining how criminal liability attaches.
Navigating Export Quotas: Understanding Administrative Agency Jurisdiction in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts respect administrative agency jurisdiction over export quota disputes, and when judicial intervention is proper.
When Witness Inconsistency Undermines a Murder Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when minor witness inconsistencies do not destroy a rape conviction and how credibility is assessed.
Justice Delayed: The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that a six-year delay by the Ombudsman violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, citing Angchangco.
Psychological Incapacity as Ground for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: Guidelines and Implications
The Supreme Court's Molina ruling sets strict guidelines for proving psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Marriage Annulment and Bigamy in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a void marriage still requires judicial declaration before remarriage, and its impact on bigamy charges.
Accretion vs. Foreshore Land in the Philippines: Who Owns Newly Formed Land?
Philippine law distinguishes accretion from foreshore land. Learn who owns newly formed land along rivers and seas under the Civil Code and the Spanish Law of Waters.
Sheriff’s Fees in the Philippines: Rules, Limits, and the Abellera Case
Learn the legal limits on sheriff’s fees in the Philippines, the Abellera ruling on excessive charges, and practical safeguards for litigants.
Encroachment Disputes: Rights and Obligations of Landowners and Builders in the Philippines
When a building encroaches on a neighbor's land, what are the parties' rights? The Supreme Court explains good faith, Article 448 options, and remedies.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Understanding Your Rights and Risks in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts define illegal recruitment, the penalties for large-scale offenses, and practical tips to avoid scams.
Death Penalty in the Philippines: Compelling Reasons and Heinous Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the death penalty applies for heinous crimes and why reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty under Philippine law.
When Are Insurance Claim Agents Liable for Foreign Principals' Debts in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local claim agents of foreign insurers can be held personally liable for policy obligations.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.