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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Lawyer's Neglect of Client's Case Warrants Suspension from Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to file position paper and attend hearings before the Social Security Commission.
Supreme Court Clears Judge of Delay in Injunction Case: Lessons on TRO Rules and Judicial Ethics
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against Judge Lerma, clarifying TRO hearing timelines and standards for judicial liability in injunction cases.
A Philippine Judge's Court Session Abroad: When Territorial Jurisdiction Is Overstepped
The Supreme Court sanctioned a judge who held hearings at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, ruling that judicial power ends at Philippine borders.
Granting Bail Without Hearing: A Judge's Discretion and the Prosecution's Right to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges must conduct a hearing before granting bail, even in discretionary cases, to protect the prosecution's right to be heard.
Airport Fee Hikes Require Notice and Public Hearing: MIAA Rate Increases Void
Supreme Court nullifies MIAA fee increases for lack of notice and public hearing, affirming the DOTC Secretary's authority over rate revisions.
The Mandatory Bail Hearing Rule: Why Judges Cannot Grant Bail Without One
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why bail hearings are mandatory, even when the prosecution does not object, and what happens when judges skip them.
Loss of Trust and Due Process: An Employee's Right to a Fair Hearing
A judge's hasty grant of a motion without hearing shows how due process protects both litigants and public trust in the judiciary.
Naturalization Hearings: Resetting Dates and Jurisdictional Requirements
The Supreme Court ruled that resetting a naturalization hearing to a date outside prohibited periods does not require republication of the notice when publication rules were met.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: What Velasquez v. Hernandez Teaches About Fair Hearing and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies due process and substantial evidence rules in administrative cases, reversing a Court of Appeals ruling that had nullified a CSC dismissal order.
When Courts May Relax Procedural Rules: The Notice of Hearing Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may relax procedural rules like the notice of hearing requirement, balancing technicality against substantial justice.
COMELEC Cannot Motu Proprio Cancel a Candidate’s Certificate of Candidacy: Cipriano v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules COMELEC cannot cancel a certificate of candidacy motu proprio without notice and hearing, safeguarding due process in election cases.
The Right to Be Heard: Due Process in Judicial Proceedings
A judge who grants a motion without notice violates due process. This case explains the rule on notice and hearing.
Contempt of Court: Due Process and the Authority of Judicial Orders in Family Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that indirect contempt requires a full hearing, reaffirming due process rights even when court orders are defied.
Indirect Contempt and Due Process: The Notice and Hearing Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies that indirect contempt requires written charges and an opportunity to be heard, but not a full trial.
Conclusiveness of Judgment: Preventing Relitigation of Established Facts in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court administrative case clarifies when a trial court may still act after an appeal is perfected, and why litigated motions always require a hearing.
Judicial Misconduct: The Imperative of Due Process in Granting Injunctive Relief
A judge's failure to observe notice and hearing requirements before issuing injunctive relief constitutes grave abuse of authority, warranting administrative sanction.
Due Process in Election Canvass: The Right to Notice and Fair Hearing
How the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to correct manifest election errors while respecting due process rights.
Court Employee Liability for Rescheduling Hearings: Scope of Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies that a court employee cannot be held administratively liable for rescheduling a hearing when the judge's own order did so.
Due Process Prevails: Annulment of Proclamation Requires Notice and Hearing
The Supreme Court ruled that the COMELEC cannot annul a proclamation or oust elected officials without due notice and hearing, even when acting motu proprio.
Default Judgments Are Disfavored: Lessons from Go v. Tan on Procedural Liberality
When can Philippine courts set aside a default judgment? Go v. Tan explains the rule on procedural liberality and the importance of hearing cases on the merits.
TRO Limits: Administrative Circular No. 20-95 and Judicial Misconduct
A judge's TRO without summary hearing violated Administrative Circular No. 20-95, resulting in a fine for grave abuse of authority.
Reasonable Doubt and Conspiracy: The Line Between Suspicion and Criminal Liability
When acquittal on reasonable doubt still leaves civil liability, due process requires a full hearing on damages.
Bail Hearings Are Mandatory: Lessons from a Judge's Administrative Liability
A judge was fined for granting bail without a hearing. Learn the mandatory bail rules under Philippine criminal procedure.