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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Valid Service of Summons: Ensuring Corporate Officers Are Notified
Learn when substituted service of summons on a corporate officer is valid under Philippine rules, and how courts protect due process.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: Reevaluation vs. Full Hearing Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor disputes requires opportunity to be heard, not a full hearing, in reevaluation cases.
When Pilots' Negligence Is the Proximate Cause: The 2010 Runway Collision Ruling
Supreme Court rules on proximate cause in the 1996 NAIA runway collision, holding pilots liable for gross negligence despite air traffic clearances.
Sandiganbayan Collegiality: Lessons from the Administrative Case Against Justices Ong, Hernandez, and Ponferra
The Supreme Court clarifies that Sandiganbayan divisions must sit as a collegial body, with all three justices present during trial proceedings.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Rehabilitation and Compliance with Disciplinary Orders
The Supreme Court grants a lawyer's petition for reinstatement after serving successive suspensions, showing the path back to practice.
Administrative Due Process: Preliminary Investigation Before Formal Charge Is Mandatory
The Supreme Court voids GSIS administrative charges and suspensions issued without preliminary investigation, and orders back salaries for affected employees.
THE Limits OF DUE Process Challenging Convictions Based ON Alleged Judicial Bias
When Peaceful Picketing Crosses the Line: Legal Boundaries in Labor Strikes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "peaceful moving picket" becomes an illegal blockade, and the due process rights of dismissed strikers.
Union Security Clauses and Employee Rights: Lessons from PICOP Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when union security clauses justify dismissal and how employee rights to self-organization are protected.
Acquittal in Murder Case and Civil Liability: The Garces v. Hernandez Ruling
When an acquittal rests on weak prosecution evidence, the court may rule that no civil liability arises. Learn the rules.
Sales Invoice Suffices for VAT Refund Claims: Disparity Between Goods and Services Eliminated
Supreme Court rules sales invoices can substantiate VAT refund claims for zero-rated services, not just official receipts.
Irrevocability of Tax Credit Option: Understanding the Asiaworld Properties Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that choosing to carry over excess income tax credits bars refund claims for those amounts in later years.
Foreclosure Validity Loan Default AND Extrajudicial Process Under ACT 3135
Judicial Conduct: Impartiality and the Appearance of Impropriety
A judge who dismissed a case without independent review and solemnized the accused's son's wedding faces administrative liability.
Preventive Suspension and Due Process: When Filing a Complaint Preempts Company Investigation
A look at Artificio v. NLRC on preventive suspension, due process, and the consequences of filing a dismissal complaint before a scheduled hearing.
Procedural Due Process in Termination: When Post-Complaint Actions Uphold Dismissal Legality
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that notices sent after an illegal dismissal complaint may still satisfy procedural due process if not a mere afterthought.
Solicitation and Ethical Boundaries: Disciplinary Action Against Atty. Tolentino
Court personnel soliciting money from litigants faces severe penalties. Learn from the Caliwag case on ethical boundaries.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden to Prove Valid Termination and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer's burden in illegal dismissal cases: valid cause and due process are both required for lawful termination.
Contract of Legal Services: When a Mayor's Authority Binds a Municipality
Supreme Court ruling on when a municipal mayor's contract binds the LGU, limits of Sangguniang Bayan authorization, and judgment on the pleadings.
CARP Coverage and Due Process: A.Z. Arnaiz Realty Ruling on Land Exclusion
The Supreme Court clarifies due process in agrarian reform and the standards for excluding cattle ranches from CARP coverage.
Right to Information vs Confidentiality in Professional Exams: Antolin v. Domondon
The Supreme Court balances the constitutional right to information against confidentiality rules for professional licensure exams in Antolin v. Domondon.
Defining the Lines: Independent Contractor vs Employee Status in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between independent contractors and employees, and the fatal consequences of procedural lapses in labor appeals.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Doubts on Victim's Behavior
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's initial inconsistent reports and lack of bruises do not negate the crime.
Revocation of Special Administration: Balancing Discretion and Due Process in Estate Settlement
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on revoking special administrators and appointing regular administrators in estate proceedings.