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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When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
Supreme Court Strikes Down SSS Retirement Date Restriction on Survivor's Pension
The Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the SSS rule limiting survivor's pension to beneficiaries "as of the date of retirement," ruling it violates due process and equal protection.
Due Process and Pre-Trial Notice: Protecting Litigants' Rights in Philippine Courts
A lawyer's missed hearings and failure to file appeal briefs led to suspension—a lesson on due process and client protection.
Acts of Lasciviousness Preliminary Investigation Sufficiency and Due Process Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when a preliminary investigation for one offense can support a different charge, and what due process requires.
Employee Dismissal Illegal Overseas Call Involvement AND DUE Process Rights
PLDT v. Tiamson: dismissal for illegal overseas call connection requires substantial evidence, not just unauthenticated affidavits and unsigned printouts.
Why Delayed and Irregular Decisions Cost This Government Lawyer His License
A DARAB adjudicator was suspended for six months for rendering an irregular decision without notice and hearing, violating due process and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Illegal Dismissal and Labor-Only Contracting: When a Salesman's Driver Is the Company's Employee
Acevedo v. Advanstar explains labor-only contracting, employer-employee relationship, and due process in illegal dismissal cases.
Separate Legal Claims WHY Improper Case Consolidation Violates DUE Process
Why the Supreme Court ruled that separate libel complaints against a publisher cannot be consolidated against one defendant without violating due process.
Judicial Contempt Limits on Punishment and Due Process Rights
Supreme Court clarifies limits on a judge's contempt power, including maximum penalties and the right to post bond.
Habitual Absenteeism and Neglect of Duty: When Is Termination Justified in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when habitual absenteeism and neglect of duty justify dismissal, and the price employers pay for skipping due process.
When Can a Subordinate's Actions Be Excused? Lessons from Challenge Socks v. Buguat
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habitual neglect justifies dismissal and why procedural due process still matters in employee termination.
Judicial Accountability for Erroneous Legal Interpretation and Due Process Violations
A judge was fined for gross ignorance of the law after allowing an appeal from an acquittal, violating double jeopardy protections.
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.
Due Process in Criminal Prosecution: When the State May Present Additional Evidence
Explaining when courts may allow the prosecution to present additional evidence and how the State's right to due process balances against the accused's right to speedy trial.
Laches and Due Process in Public Employment: Can Delay Nullify a Wrongful Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed public employee's delay in filing a complaint bars reinstatement, even if dismissal lacked due process.
Due Process in Termination: Ensuring Fair Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule in employee dismissal and the consequences of non-compliance.
Misconduct and Job Security: When a Private Agreement Impacts Employment
A fishing crew dismissed for taking fish without a gate pass learns that valid cause doesn't excuse denial of due process.
Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Philippine Termination Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule in employee dismissal, balancing employer authority with due process rights.
Due Process and Immigration Law: When a Judge’s Procedural Errors Become Gross Ignorance
A judge’s disregard of the three-day notice rule and immigration law results in administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
From Grave to Simple: When Can Misconduct Charges Be Reduced
The Supreme Court explains when grave misconduct may be reduced to simple misconduct in administrative cases, and why due process allows it.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Impartiality AND DUE Process IN Execution OF Judgments
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Annulment of Judgment Is Justified
The Supreme Court explains when a counsel's negligence can justify annulment of judgment and when courts should liberally apply procedural rules.
Dismissal Upheld Despite Prior Termination When Dishonesty Charges Become Moot
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on project employment, labor-only contracting, and due process in illegal dismissal cases.
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.