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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Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce, Property Rights, and the Keppel Case
Philippine courts don't take judicial notice of foreign laws. Learn the proof requirements from the Supreme Court's Keppel ruling on divorce and property.
Regular vs Project Employment: Employer Must Prove Employee Status at Hiring
Supreme Court clarifies that employers bear the burden of proving project employment status, requiring clear notice at the time of hiring.
Notice Requirements for SPV Asset Transfers: Protecting Borrowers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements for SPV asset transfers under RA 9182, balancing borrower protection with valid assignments.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Ensuring Due Diligence in Small Claims Cases
A Supreme Court ruling holds court personnel and judges accountable for lapses in serving notices of hearing in small claims cases.
Due Process in VAWC Cases: The Right to Preliminary Investigation and Fair Notice
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a respondent's right to due process in VAWC cases, requiring proper notice during preliminary investigation.
When GSIS Rules Fail: The Publication Requirement and the Limits of Agency Power
The Supreme Court nullified GSIS PPG No. 171-03 for lack of publication, reaffirming that legislative rules need notice and effectivity.
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.
Just Compensation and Judicial Notice Limits in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may take judicial notice of other cases in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Deposition Notice Timeliness and Waiver in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on deposition notice requirements, waiver of defects, and the distinction between admissibility and weight of evidence.
Breach of Contract When Personal Notice in Foreclosure Is a Must
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale is void.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Cutting Off Water Supply Without Notice Becomes a Legal Wrong
Supreme Court rules that cutting off a water connection without notice violates Article 19 of the Civil Code, entitling the affected party to damages.
Abuse of Rights When Public Works Infringe on Private Water Connections
When public works projects cut private water lines without notice, abuse of rights under Article 19 can trigger liability for damages.
Sheriffs Duty to Serve Notice Before Implementing Writs: Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff who enforces a writ without prior notice violates due process. Learn the rules and penalties under Rule 39.
Good Faith IN Property Sales Protecting Buyers Without Notice OF Claims
Foreclosure Voided: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Supreme Court voids foreclosure sale for lack of republication and reposting of rescheduled sale notice, affirming mandatory rules under Act No. 3135.
Revoking a Surety Agreement: Proving Timely Notice and Release from Liability
A surety who sends a timely revocation letter by registered mail can escape liability—provided the notice is properly proven and received.
Electricity Disconnection: Utility's Duty to Inspect and Provide Notice
When can a distribution utility disconnect electric service? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to inspect meters and give proper notice.
Sheriff’s Duty to Follow Execution Procedures and the Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff’s failure to follow execution rules—from expense estimates to auction notices—can mean dismissal. The Supreme Court explains why.
Perfected Construction Contract Award Trumps Suspension
A bidder's acceptance of a notice to proceed perfects a construction contract; a later suspension does not undo it. The Supreme Court explains.
Due Process Prevails: Cross-Examination Rights and the Consequences of Missed Notice
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot hold non-parties liable in an execution writ without due process and jurisdiction.
The Three-Day Notice Rule: Ensuring Due Process in Motion Hearings
The Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory three-day notice rule for motions and why personal service is preferred in Philippine procedure.
Finality of Court Orders and the 3-Day Notice Rule: Ti v. Diño
The Supreme Court clarifies that defective motions do not toll the appeal period, and personal service is mandatory when practicable.
When a Tax Sale Lacks Notice: Due Process and Res Judicata in Property Auctions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a tax delinquency sale without proper notice violates due process and is not barred by res judicata.