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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Trust Betrayed Balancing Employee Rights AND Employer Prerogatives IN Dismissal Cases
A columnist's dismissal raises the appeal bond rule in labor cases. The Supreme Court clarifies when strict compliance may be relaxed.
Strikes and Notice Requirements: Upholding Labor Law Compliance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that unions must strictly comply with the 24-hour notice requirement for strike votes, or the strike becomes illegal.
Reinstatement of Criminal Cases: Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantial Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on procedural compliance in appeals, balancing strict rules against substantial justice in criminal case reinstatement.
Illegal Dismissal: Full Backwages Despite Procedural Lapses
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to full backwages even without perfect procedural compliance.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration Blueprint Suffices When Original Plan Is Available
Supreme Court clarifies that blueprint copies of survey plans may substantially comply with land registration requirements when the original is later submitted.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Strict Compliance Required in Election Protests
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with certification of non-forum shopping requirements in election protest cases.
Substantial Compliance With Attestation Requirements in Will Probate
Philippine Supreme Court explains when defects in a will's attestation clause may still allow probate under the substantial compliance rule.
Strikes and Union Officer Liability: Navigating Labor Law Compliance in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court treats illegal strikes, union officer liability, and procedural rules in labor disputes.
DOLE's Visitorial Powers: No P5,000 Cap on Compliance Orders After R.A. 7730
Supreme Court clarifies that DOLE regional directors may issue compliance orders for labor standards violations regardless of the amount of money claims involved.
Substantial Compliance Prevails Protecting Overseas Workers Rights Beyond Technicalities
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not defeat it, in overseas workers' claims.
Substantial Compliance with Procedural Rules: Certified Xerox Copies in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on certified xerox copies as substantial compliance with Rule 65 requirements for petitions for certiorari.
Substantial Compliance Prevails When Technicalities Give Way to Justice in Appellate Procedure
SC rules substantial compliance with Rule 42 requirements suffices; cases should be decided on merits, not technicalities.
Certiorari Petitions: Substantial Compliance With Procedural Rules For Timely Review
SC rules substantial compliance with Rule 42 requirements may excuse dismissal of petitions for review, protecting the right to appeal.
Barangay Conciliation Substantial Compliance Sufficient For Unlawful Detainer Cases
Substantial compliance with barangay conciliation suffices for unlawful detainer cases, even without pangkat proceedings, per Zamora v. Heirs of Izquierdo.
Forum Shopping Certification in Labor Cases: Substantial Compliance Protects Workers' Rights
Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with non-forum shopping certification suffices in labor cases, protecting workers from technical dismissal.
Reconstitution of Titles: Substantial Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what jurisdictional requirements apply in judicial reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26.
Perfecting Appeals THE Strict Timeline AND Exceptions IN Philippine LAW
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the strict deadlines for appeals and the limited exceptions, guiding litigants on procedural compliance.
Eminent Domain and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation Cases
The Supreme Court nullified Cebu City's expropriation ordinance, reaffirming that due process and strict legal compliance limit local governments' power of eminent domain.
Dismissal OF Labor Disputes THE Importance OF Procedural Compliance AND Binding Agreements
Substantial Compliance Protecting Workers Rights Despite Procedural Technicalities
Finality of DOLE Secretary's Orders: Strict Compliance and Consequences of Delay
Learn why a second motion for reconsideration is prohibited and how delay can make DOLE Secretary orders final and executory.
Loan Agreements: The Bank's Obligation to Release Funds and Consequences of Non-Compliance
When can a bank withhold loan proceeds? Philippine National Bank v. RBL Enterprises clarifies the rules on loan release, conditions precedent, and damages.
Upholding Procedural Rules: The Importance of Timely Appeals in Labor Disputes
Court holds clerk of court liable for five-year delay in transmitting appeal records, underscoring strict compliance with Rule 41.
Substantial Compliance in Certification Against Forum Shopping: Protecting Co-Owners' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when one co-owner's signature on the certification against forum shopping substantially complies with procedural rules.