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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
GSIS Policy Invalidity: Publication Requirement for Rules Affecting Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court ruled GSIS issuances affecting retirement benefits must be published to be valid, affirming retiree's right to original appointment computation.
Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences FOR Incomplete AND Improperly Executed Documents
A notary public who notarized deeds with missing signatures and absent parties faces suspension and commission revocation, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Upholding Just Cause in Employment Termination: The Boundaries of Company Policy and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for fraud is valid and when company rules must be followed for just cause.
Valid Service and Due Process: The Duty to Notify SSS of an Address Change
When a party fails to notify the SSS of a change of address, service of notices at the old address remains valid and binding.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
Revoking Donations: The Imperative of Fulfilled Conditions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when donations may be revoked for non-fulfillment of conditions, and the legal consequences.
Upholding Employer Rights Teleperformances Justification FOR Dismissal Based ON Performance Standards
Explore how consistent failure to meet reasonable performance metrics can justify dismissal under Philippine labor law.
DUE Process IN Administrative Cases THE Right TO AN Impartial Reviewing Officer
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights and Due Process in Anti-Graft Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when the speedy disposition clock starts in Ombudsman cases, distinguishing fact-finding from preliminary investigation.
Compromise Agreements Ensuring Mutuality AND Enforceability IN Debt Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in debt settlement, highlighting mutual concessions and clear terms for enforceability.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Efficiency AND DUE Process IN Case Resolution
Absence Without Leave: Upholding Public Service Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
Court personnel who go AWOL face dropping from the rolls. Learn the rules and consequences from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Unexcused Absence When Neglect of Duty Leads to Removal From Public Service
Continuous AWOL for 30 working days can lead to dropping from the rolls. Learn the rules and consequences for government employees.
Informing Seafarers: The Cornerstone of Due Process in Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing due process and the necessity of informing seafarers of their rights and options.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Failure to Account Client Funds
A lawyer who neglects a client's case and fails to account for fees faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from Sorensen v. Pozon.
Bidding Rights No Cause of Action for Disappointed Bidders Under Philippine Law
A contractor overpaid by the government must refund the excess, even if the contract was void for lack of appropriation.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may order reconstitution of a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
Drug Use and Due Process: When a Quashed Search Warrant Does Not Erase Administrative Liability
A sheriff dismissed for drug use despite quashed search warrant—why administrative cases stand apart from criminal cases.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Due Process and the Chain of Custody Rule: Protecting the Accused in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to comply with the three-witness rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Service of Summons: Balancing Due Process and Practicality in Marital Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when publication alone suffices for extraterritorial service of summons in nullity cases, and when laches bars attacks on final judgments.
Psychological Incapacity: The High Bar for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reiterates that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires proof of gravity, juridical antecedence, and incurability—not mere infidelity or irreconcilable differences.
Due Process in Attorney Discipline: Fair Hearings for Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court reminds us that even in lawyer discipline cases, due process and substantial evidence are required before any sanction.
When Courts Can Bend Procedural Rules: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. Learn when extensions are allowed and the consequences of delay.