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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Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Give Notice and Hearing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal without notice and hearing, even with just cause, results in nominal damages.
When Employee Dishonesty Justifies Termination: The Cruz v. Coca-Cola Case
Learn when employee dishonesty justifies termination under Philippine labor law, and what happens when procedural due process is lacking.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to Present Evidence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court reminds trial courts that a demurrer to evidence must be a knowing waiver of the accused's right to present evidence.
Bail in Drug Cases: Judges Must Follow Due Process and Know the Law
Supreme Court disciplines a judge for granting bail without hearing in drug cases, stressing judicial competence and mandatory bail hearings.
Coslaps Limited Jurisdiction Resolving Land Disputes AND Forum Shopping
When can a government agency act on a land dispute without violating due process? The Supreme Court explains in Primetown v. Juntilla.
Due Process and Property Rights: When Notice of Legal Action Is Crucial
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative due process, notice, and property rights in tax declaration cancellations.
Upholding DUE Process When CAN Labor Cases Overlook Technicalities
Property Rights vs Self-Help: Landowners Cannot Evict Holdover Tenants Without Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accion reinvindicatoria, property identification, and the limits of self-help in land disputes.
Insufficient Evidence and Due Process When Accusations Fail to Convict
A corporate officer's conviction under the Bouncing Checks Law requires proof of written notice of dishonor actually received by the accused.
Due Process in Motion Hearings: When a Judgment Cannot Bind a Non-Party
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts cannot bind non-parties to judgments, even in motion hearings, without due process.
Demolition Orders and Property Rights: Balancing Possession and Due Process in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on demolition orders in unlawful detainer cases, protecting property rights and due process.
Probationary Employment Termination Requires Just Cause AND Due Process
Probationary employees enjoy security of tenure. Employers must prove just cause and observe due process when terminating them.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Independent Assessment Before Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative due process: disciplining authorities must independently assess facts and law before imposing dismissal.
Probationary Employment: Just Cause and Due Process in Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on terminating probationary employees—just cause and due process requirements explained.
Due Process Prevails: Substantial Amendment to Information Requires New Preliminary Investigation
Supreme Court rules substantial amendments to criminal informations require new preliminary investigation to protect accused's due process rights.
Morality vs Constitutionality: Manila's Ermita-Malate Ordinance Struck Down
The Supreme Court nullified Manila Ordinance No. 7783 banning motels and similar establishments in Ermita-Malate, ruling it violated due process and property rights.
Preliminary Investigation After Substantial Amendment: Due Process in Amended Criminal Charges
When can prosecutors amend criminal charges without a new preliminary investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rule.
DUE Process Imperative Mandatory Injunctions Require Notice AND Hearing
Property Rights and Due Process: Lessons from Barcenas v. Tomas on Appeals and Co-Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling reminds property owners that procedural rules on appeals are strict, and that a co-owner may validly sell an undivided share without the consent of the others.
PPA Rate Increases and Due Process: What Shipping Lines Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when notice and hearing are required for port rate increases by the Philippine Ports Authority.
Due Process in Retrenchment: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between just and authorized causes in dismissal, and the penalties for violating notice requirements.
Police Misconduct Due Process: Navigating Administrative Dismissals in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles police misconduct cases, due process in administrative dismissals, and jurisdiction under RA 6975.
Extraterritorial Service of Summons: Due Process for Non-Resident Defendants
Philippine courts must strictly comply with rules on extraterritorial service of summons before declaring non-resident defendants in default.
Due Process and the Duties of Counsel: Lessons from Palanca v. Guides
A 2005 Supreme Court ruling shows how the negligence of a lawyer binds the client, and how accepting payments without protest can waive a seller's claims.