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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Invalid Search Warrants in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unreasonable Searches
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Filipinos from unreasonable searches through the strict requirements for valid search warrants.
Challenging Real Property Tax Ordinances: Public Hearings and Publication Requirements
Learn how Philippine courts handle challenges to real property tax ordinances, including public hearing and publication requirements under the Local Government Code.
Redundancy and Retrenchment: Balancing Business Viability and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law allows redundancy and retrenchment as valid grounds for dismissal, but employers must meet strict legal requirements. This article explains the rules.
Philippine Franchise TAX Local Governments Power TO TAX Businesses Despite Prior Exemptions
Supreme Court ruling on local government power to impose real property taxes, procedural requirements, and taxpayer remedies under the Local Government Code.
Reopening a Closed Case: Abuse of Discretion and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can a court reopen a criminal case after evidence is closed? The Santiago ruling explains the limits and due process requirements.
Strict Compliance Is Key: Understanding Due Process in Philippine Naturalization Law
Philippine naturalization demands strict compliance with statutory requirements. Learn how courts apply due process in citizenship applications.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: When Business Losses Justify Employee Dismissal
Learn the strict rules for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, including proof of serious losses, notice requirements, and quitclaim limits.
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.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Avoiding Illegal Dismissal Claims
The Supreme Court explains the substantive and procedural requirements for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, and why weak evidence leads to illegal dismissal.
When IS Self Defense Valid IN THE Philippines Analyzing Intent AND Proportionality
Understand self-defense in Philippine law: when it applies, the requirements of unlawful aggression, and how courts weigh intent and proportionality.
Understanding Easements of Right of Way in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of way claims, easement requirements, and what property owners should know before demanding access.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court explains the twin requirements for valid employee dismissal—just cause and due process—in this landmark labor case.
Tax Sale Notice: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sale notice requirements, protecting registered owners' property rights in delinquent real property auctions.
Strikes in the Philippines: Legal Requirements and Consequences for Labor Disputes
Understand the legal framework for strikes in the Philippines, including requirements, prohibited acts, and consequences for illegal strikes under Philippine labor law.
Acquisitive Prescription: How to Acquire Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how acquisitive prescription works under Philippine law—the requirements, periods, and limits for acquiring land ownership through open, continuous possession.
Employee Negligence and Termination: When Is Dismissal Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence justifies dismissal and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Wrongful Termination: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the two requirements for valid dismissal: just cause and due process. Learn the rules.
Navigating Land Title Reconstitution: Due Diligence and Jurisdictional Requirements in the Philippines
A guide to the strict jurisdictional rules for land title reconstitution in the Philippines, drawn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Ortigas & Co. v. Velasco.
Untimely Appeal and NLRC Discretion: Jurisdictional Requirements in Labor Disputes
Philippine National Construction Corporation vs. NLRC: motion for reconsideration is mandatory before certiorari, and separation benefits are construed in favor of workers.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Just Cause and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and the twin requirements of notice and hearing.
Right of Repurchase in Philippine Real Estate: Pacto de Retro Rules Explained
Learn the rules on pacto de retro sales and the right of repurchase in Philippine real estate, including annotation duties and judicial requirements.
Illegal Dismissal Abandonment As A Defense FOR Employers IN THE Philippines
When can employers validly claim abandonment as a defense against illegal dismissal claims? Learn the legal rules and requirements.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: When Procedural Lapses Don't Erase Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employee dismissal, due process requirements, and NLRC appellate review standards in labor disputes.
When Can a Motion for Extension Be Denied? A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may deny motions for extension and the proper requirements for certifications against forum shopping.