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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Belated Appeal in Criminal Cases: Finality of Judgment and the Right to Appeal
A belated notice of appeal in a criminal case results in finality of judgment. This article explains the rules and exceptions.
Due Process and Party-List Disqualification: Senior Citizens Case
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot cancel a party-list group's registration without due notice and hearing.
Just Cause Dismissal Still Requires Due Process: Nominal Damages for Twin-Notice Violation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that even valid dismissals for just cause require the twin-notice rule; failure to comply merits nominal damages.
Due Process in Philippine Election Protests: Ensuring Fair Notice and Participation
Philippine election protest rules require due process—fair notice and participation—before any electoral outcome is overturned.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Due Process in Property Disputes
When a property owner loses title without notice, annulment of judgment may lie. The Supreme Court clarifies extrinsic fraud and due process rules.
Redundancy Programs Balancing Business Needs AND Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
Understand Philippine redundancy rules through Morales v. Metrobank: valid termination requires good faith, fair criteria, proper notice, and separation pay.
Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Deadlines in Expropriation Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may take judicial notice of land values and why the DAR formula must govern just compensation in agrarian expropriation.
When Due Process Is Denied: Judge Fined for Ignoring Indispensable Parties and Legal Procedures
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how a judge was fined for ignoring indispensable parties, skipping summons rules, and violating notice requirements.
Proof of Notice in B.P. 22 Cases: Registry Receipt Alone Insufficient
In B.P. 22 cases, a registry return receipt alone cannot prove notice of dishonor. Learn what evidence the prosecution must present.
Proof of Notice of Dishonor: A Critical Safeguard in Bouncing Check Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court requires strict proof of written notice of dishonor before convicting under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Two-Notice Rule and Employer Obligations
Learn the two-notice rule in Philippine labor law and how the Supreme Court applied it to probationary employees in Carvajal v. Luzon Development Bank.
Demolition Without Due Notice: The Limits of Official Action and Graft Prosecution
A look at when demolition without notice crosses the line into criminal liability, and the legal safeguards against official overreach.
Judicial Ethics: Sheriff Dismissed for Accepting Payoffs in Landmark Philippine Ruling
Supreme Court dismisses deputy sheriff for accepting kickbacks from a newspaper publisher in exchange for judicial notice assignments, reaffirming strict ethics for court personnel.
Project Employees and Due Process: Clarifying Notice Requirements for Contract Completion
The Supreme Court clarifies when project employees must receive notice of contract completion and the due process requirements for termination.
Beyond Procedure: Substantial Justice Prevails Over Strict Notice Rules in Forcible Entry Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that procedural lapses in discovery should not defeat substantial justice, but warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Equitable Justice When Strict Procedural Rules Yield to Substantive Rights in Agrarian Disputes
When the Court of Appeals shortened a filing extension without notice, the Supreme Court ruled procedural rules must not frustrate justice.
Breach of Contract and Bank Negligence: Protecting Clients' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in terminating credit lines and dishonoring checks without proper notice.
Motion Denied Understanding Defective Notice OF Hearing IN Philippine Courts
Philippine courts demand proper notice of hearing in motions; defects can lead to denial. Learn the rules and practical tips.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when retrenchment is valid, how waivers and quitclaims are tested, and what happens when the required DOLE notice is late.
Foreclosure Sales in the Philippines: The Legal Weight of Notice and Publication
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the requirements for notice and publication in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
BP 22 Acquittal Based on Insufficient Notice Does Not Extinguish Civil Liability
An acquittal in a B.P. 22 case due to unproven notice of dishonor does not erase the drawer's civil liability for the checks.
Sufficiency of Information in Criminal Cases: Ensuring Fair Notice to the Accused
How Philippine courts test whether a criminal Information sufficiently informs the accused of the charge, with lessons from a drug case.
Due Process in Philippine Tax Assessments: The Critical Role of the Preliminary Assessment Notice
Philippine tax assessments require a Preliminary Assessment Notice; without it, the assessment is void for denying due process.
The Perils of a Forgotten Address: Finality of Judgments and Due Notice in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullified an unlawful detainer judgment because substituted service of summons was defective, reminding litigants that proper notice is vital.