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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Constructive Dismissal AN Employers Duty IN Reassignment AND DUE Process
When Loss of Trust Can Lead to Termination: Employee Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, loss of trust, and due process in employee termination cases.
CBA Scholarship Benefits Resolving Ambiguities IN Favor OF Labor
Security agency loses bid to exempt receivables from garnishment; Court applies labor-friendly rule on execution exemptions.
Substantial Compliance Prevails: Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with procedural requirements may excuse technical lapses, ensuring cases are decided on merits.
Judicial Authority AND Administrative Circulars Resolving Conflicts IN Court Decision Making
Upholding Due Process: Ignoring Preliminary Investigation Procedures Constitutes Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge who skips the required preliminary investigation procedure violates due process and commits gross ignorance of the law.
Substantial Compliance With Material Dates Rule in Certiorari Petitions
SC relaxes Rule 46 material dates requirement when petition shows substantial compliance, remands case for merits determination.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
Due Process in Labor Dismissals: The Two-Notice Rule and the Burden of Proving Just Cause
The Supreme Court reaffirms that dismissal without proper notice and hearing is illegal, and employers bear the burden of proving just cause.
Lost Chance to Repurchase: Understanding Time Limits in Property Sales with Right of Repurchase
The Supreme Court ruled that a vendor's right to repurchase property must be exercised within four years from the time the condition triggering it occurs.
When Delay Costs More Than Time: The High Price of Unresolved Motions for Reconsideration
A judge's one-year delay in resolving a motion for reconsideration leads to a P10,000 fine, highlighting judicial accountability and prompt case disposition.
Contract of Sale vs Piece of Work: Subcontractor Rights Under Article 1729
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supply agreement is a piece of work, giving subcontractors direct claims against project owners.
Upholding Contractual Obligations Enforcing Extrajudicial Settlements AND Eviction
Granting Bail After Final Judgment Is Gross Ignorance of the Law: A Lesson for Judges
A judge who granted bail to a convict already serving a final sentence was held liable for gross ignorance of the law. Learn the rules.
Accrual of Action: Demand as the Starting Point for Prescription in Debt Recovery
When does the prescriptive period for collecting a debt begin? The Supreme Court clarifies that demand, not maturity, starts the clock.
Counsel’s Negligence Reopens Criminal Appeals for Fair Representation
When a lawyer abandons a client’s appeal, the Supreme Court may reopen the case to protect the accused’s right to counsel.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Who Can Validly Receive It
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may validly receive summons for a corporation, including management committee members under SEC supervision.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Limits on Exclusive Venue Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when exclusive venue stipulations in contracts apply, and when they cannot restrict access to courts.
Unlawful Acquisition: Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction Over Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction over forfeiture cases under R.A. 1379, including those filed by the Ombudsman.
Senate Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction Ensuring Due Process in Senatorial Election Protests
Barbers v. COMELEC clarifies that the Senate Electoral Tribunal has sole jurisdiction over post-proclamation senatorial election contests.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Due Process in PNP Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissed PNP officers must exhaust all administrative remedies, including appeals to the DILG Secretary and CSC, before seeking court intervention.
Interest on Foreign Equity Investments in Closed Banks: The Pacific Banking Case
Explaining when interest accrues on foreign equity investments in a closed Philippine bank, and the rules on liquidating dividends.
Upholding Finality When Failure to Prosecute Leads to Dismissal on the Merits
Learn how skipping an administrative appeal and a motion for reconsideration can prove fatal to a case, as shown in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in PNP Administrative Cases: Mendoza v. NAPOLCOM
Supreme Court ruling on why PNP members must exhaust administrative remedies before going to court in dismissal cases.