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 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.
Faulty Notarization Foils Contract Cancellation: Buyer Entitled to Refund Under Maceda Law
When a developer's notice of cancellation fails notarial requirements, the contract remains valid and the buyer may claim refunds under the Maceda Law.
Due Process Rights and Fair Notice in Administrative Cases: The Iglesias Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative due process requires fair notice of charges, but valid original allegations can still support dismissal.
Lawyer’s Suspension for Malicious Statements: Ethical Limits in Client Representation
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for calling an opposing party a "swindler" and "fugitive" in a bank notice, reaffirming ethical limits on client zeal.
Lawyer Suspended for Calling Opposing Party a Swindler: Ethics Lessons from Buenviaje v. Magdamo
A lawyer's three-month suspension for malicious name-calling in a notice to a bank underscores the ethical limits of client zeal.
Customs Law: Abandonment of Goods Requires Due Notice Despite Importer's Delay
Supreme Court rules that ipso facto abandonment of imported goods under the Tariff and Customs Code requires due notice, absent fraud.
Mortgage Foreclosure Upholding Contractual Notice AND Loan Coverage Requirements
Supreme Court ruling on forged SPA in mortgage foreclosure, requiring lenders to verify authority and giving borrowers protection.
Due Process in Reproductive Health: FDA Must Hear Opposition to Contraceptives
The Supreme Court ruled that the FDA must observe due process—notice and hearing—when certifying contraceptive drugs, affirming the remand in the RH Law case.
Dismissal With Just Cause Still Requires Procedural Due Process: Ortiz v. DHL
A valid dismissal needs both substantive and procedural due process. Learn the twin notice and hearing rules from Ortiz v. DHL.
When BIR Assessments Become Final: Why Taxpayers Must Act on Unchallenged Notices
Understand why unchallenged BIR assessments become final and executory, and what taxpayers must do to protect their rights.
Tax Assessment Falsity of Returns and the Ten-Year Prescriptive Period
When do false returns trigger the 10-year tax assessment period? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on prescription and notice.
When a Trial Court Cannot Deny Your Notice of Appeal: PBCOM v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that only appellate courts may dismiss appeals for being improper remedies, and when a motion for reconsideration is excused.
Procedural Due Process in Termination: Proper Notice When a Business Closes
The Supreme Court rules that paying salaries cannot replace the one-month written notice required before business closure terminates employees.
Tax Assessments Invalid Notices and Taxpayer Due Process in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid tax assessment notices and taxpayer due process rights explained in plain language.
Lis Pendens and Ill-Gotten Wealth: Protecting Public Interest Through Property Notices
The Supreme Court reinstates a notice of lis pendens on Marcos property, clarifying how procedural rules serve, not defeat, the recovery of ill-gotten wealth.
Fixed-Term Contracts: What the 30-Day Notice Rule Means for Renewal
Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, the 30-day notice requirement, and automatic renewal implications for employers and employees.
Bouncing Back Acquittal in BP 22 Cases Hinges on Proof of Notice of Dishonor
Supreme Court acquits BP 22 accused where prosecution failed to prove written notice of dishonor was received by the drawer.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: Notice of Dishonor as a Shield Against Liability
The Supreme Court acquits a B.P. 22 accused because the prosecution failed to prove she received the notice of dishonor.
Eviction and Land Use: Clarifying Need and Notice in Property Repossession
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for ejectment under the Rental Law, including the three-month notice rule and what counts as an for the owner's family use.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Bypassing Raffle of Judicial Notices and Taking Loans
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for grave misconduct: bypassing the raffle of judicial notices and borrowing money from newspaper publishers.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: When a Valid Dismissal Still Costs the Employer
A valid dismissal for just cause does not erase the employer's duty to observe procedural due process. The Supreme Court explains the two-notice rule and nominal damages.
DUE Process IN Termination Notice Must Match THE Charge
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice and Payment Requirements Under Agrarian Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies agricultural lessee's right of redemption, written notice requirements, and tender payment obligations under R.A. 3844.
Procedural Due Process in Employment Termination: The Right to a Hearing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must provide a hearing or conference, not just written notices, before validly dismissing employees.