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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Revoking Mining Rights: Strict Compliance and Government Authority Over Natural Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permit validity, agency, assignment requirements, and government power over forest reserves.
Reconstitution of Titles: Verifying Authenticity and Protecting Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judicial reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26, emphasizing owner's duplicate authenticity and jurisdictional requirements.
Search Warrant Requirements in the Philippines: A Judge's Duty to Examine Witnesses in Writing
The Supreme Court reminds judges that issuing search warrants requires a written, searching examination of witnesses—not just oral interviews.
Employee Termination: Just Cause and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for valid employee termination in the Philippines, focusing on just cause and due process requirements.
Attorney Conflicts of Interest: Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts handle attorney conflicts of interest, consent requirements, and ethical duties through key Supreme Court rulings.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Understanding Docket Fee Payment Requirements in the Philippines
Learn the rules on docket fee payment for appeals in the Philippines, including timing, amount, and consequences of non-payment.
Navigating Probationary Employment: When Does a Probationary Employee Become Regular in the Philippines
Understand Philippine probationary employment rules, including the six-month limit, evaluation requirements, and when a probationary employee becomes regular.
Peaceful Assembly in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Permit Requirements After Bayan v. Ermita
The Supreme Court upheld the permit requirement for rallies but struck down the Calibrated Preemptive Response policy. Learn your rights.
Fatal Flaws in Philippine Wills: Why Proper Attestation and Acknowledgment Are Non-Negotiable
Learn why the Supreme Court denied probate of a notarial will with three fatal defects under the Civil Code's formal requirements for wills.
Due Process for Probationary Employees Navigating Termination and Notice Requirements in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the due process rights of probationary employees in the Philippines, including termination rules, notice requirements, and legal remedies.
Valid Retrenchment in the Philippines: When Can a Company Terminate Employees Due to Financial Losses
The Supreme Court explains the requirements for valid retrenchment due to financial losses, including notice, separation pay, and proof of losses.
Philippine Retrenchment Navigating Layoffs AND DUE Process TO Avoid Costly Labor Disputes
Understand Philippine retrenchment rules from TPI v. Cajucom: valid authorized cause, proper notice, and separation pay requirements.
Retrenchment in Philippine Labor Law: When Cost-Cutting Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for valid retrenchment and redundancy, and the consequences of bad-faith dismissals.
Navigating Regulatory Requirements WHY Agency Interpretations Matter IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Business Closure: Legally Navigating Employee Terminations to Avoid Costly Disputes
A look at Industrial Timber Corp. v. Ababon on valid business closure, termination pay, and the cost of missing notice requirements.
Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee DUE Process IN Termination Cases
A supervisor’s dismissal for abuse of authority upheld: the Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of valid termination under Philippine labor law.
Civil Service Eligibility Requirements for Government Positions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified civil service eligibility rules for government appointments, using the Nazi v. Calingin case as a guide.
Probationary Employment and Employer Prerogative: When Clearance Requirements Justify Non-Regularization
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment, employer prerogative, and reasonable pre-employment requirements for regularization.
Domicile Dilemmas: Residency Requirements for Philippine Election Candidates
The Supreme Court explains what "residence" really means for election candidates—and why buying property alone won't establish domicile.
Tax Sale Invalidity: Strict Compliance With Notice Requirements Protects Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how failure to give proper notice in tax delinquency sales invalidates the sale and protects property owners' rights.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Timeliness in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the four-year prescriptive period and strict requirements for annulment of judgment based on extrinsic fraud under Rule 47.
Retrenchment Requirements: Proving Financial Losses and Fair Criteria in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: employers must prove substantial losses and use fair criteria like seniority when dismissing employees.
Due Process in Forfeiture Cases: Spouses' Right to Preliminary Investigation
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on forfeiture proceedings, spouses' due process rights, and preliminary investigation requirements under RA 1379.
Misjoinder of Parties and Its Effect on Verification and Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a misjoined party's failure to sign verification and certification against forum-shopping is not ground for dismissal.