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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Filling Sanggunian Vacancies: The Strict Rules on Party Nomination and Membership
Supreme Court clarifies that filling Sanggunian vacancies requires bona fide party membership and nomination from the highest party official.
Union Registration and the 20% Membership Rule: Lessons from Mariwasa Siam Ceramics
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20% membership requirement applies only at registration, not throughout a union's existence.
Basketball Governance Validating Membership FOR Voting Rights IN Sports Associations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on membership validation as prerequisite to voting rights in sports associations, citing the BAP-SBP case.
Due Process and Good Faith: When Clubs Cannot Foreclose on Membership Shares
Supreme Court rules a non-stock club's sale of a member's share for unpaid dues violated due process and good faith.
When a Club Can’t Sell Your Share: Valley Golf and Membership Termination
A non-stock club cannot seize a fully-paid member’s share for unpaid dues without proper notice and hearing. Learn the rule.
Membership Termination in Non-Stock Corporations: Safeguarding Property Rights
The Calatagan Golf Club case clarifies that non-stock corporations must strictly follow their own by-laws before terminating membership or selling shares.
When Can a Club Seize a Member's Share? The Valley Golf Case on By-Laws and Property Rights
A club cannot seize a fully paid membership share for unpaid dues without proper notice and hearing, says the Supreme Court.
When Club By-Laws Fail: Protecting Membership Shares from Unjust Seizure
A Supreme Court ruling on when a non-stock corporation may validly dispose of a member's share for unpaid dues, and the limits of by-law authority.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Disbarment for Gross Immoral Conduct
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for abandoning his wife and children to cohabit with another woman, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the bar.
When Club Membership Turns Costly: Limits of Discretion and the Price of Bad Faith
A club's right to reject membership applications is not absolute. Learn how bad faith and abuse of rights led to damages in Cebu Country Club v. Elizagaque.
Cooperative Membership vs Employment: Defining SSS Coverage Obligations
Supreme Court rules cooperatives can be employers of their owner-members for SSS coverage purposes, clarifying when membership does not negate employment.
Union Elections: Due Process and Membership Rights in Internal Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on due process in union elections, BLR jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, and members' rights.
Union Decertification Mixed Membership Alone Insufficient Grounds
Security of Tenure and Board Membership: Garayblas v. Atienza on Illegal Ouster
When does a board member's ouster become a justiciable case? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between termination of appointment and illegal removal.
IBP Dues: Why Non-Practicing Lawyers Must Still Pay Membership Fees
The Supreme Court rules that IBP membership dues are mandatory for all lawyers, regardless of active practice status.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Adultery as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for cohabiting with a woman not his wife, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.
IBP Elections SC Clarifies Scope OF Supervision AND Membership Rights
Automatic Membership in Property Associations: Upholding Contractual Obligations and Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court rules that automatic membership clauses in deeds of sale bind successors-in-interest, who must pay association dues.
Automatic Membership in Property Associations: Enforceability and Freedom of Association
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on automatic membership clauses in property deeds, their enforceability against successors-in-interest, and limits of freedom of association.
Dual Compensation BAN EX Officio Roles AND Alternate Board Memberships IN THE NHA
Regular Employment vs Cooperative Membership: Protecting Workers' Rights
Can a cooperative member be a regular employee? The Supreme Court says yes—membership does not erase labor rights or security of tenure.
When Military Status Impacts Criminal Liability: Arbitrary Detention Explained
Understand how CAFGU membership affects criminal liability and why the Court acquitted in People v. Flores.
Defining Managerial vs Supervisory Roles for Union Membership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between managerial and supervisory employees for union membership eligibility under the Labor Code.
Electric Cooperative Membership and Director Eligibility: Key Rules from Espina v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on electric cooperative membership requirements and director eligibility under P.D. 269, explained in plain language.