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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Dishonesty and Breach of Trust in Handling Court Exhibits: A Philippine Labor Law Guide
What Philippine jurisprudence says about dismissal for dishonesty and breach of trust, and how the Supreme Court treats due process in authorized-cause terminations.
AWOL in Philippine Government Service: Understanding Absence Without Official Leave and Its Consequences
Learn what AWOL means in Philippine government service, the 30-day rule, and the consequences of dropping from the rolls.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Securing CIAC Jurisdiction Despite Contractual Clauses
How the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name another forum or process.
Sheriff Misconduct and Illegal Demolition: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Law
When can a sheriff demolish structures not named in a writ? The Supreme Court clarifies due process limits on demolition orders.
Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Dishonest Civil Service Eligibility in the Philippines
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a court employee for fraudulently obtaining civil service eligibility, and its implications for public servants.
Sleeping on the Job: When Can Philippine Employers Terminate for Just Cause?
Philippine employers may terminate employees for sleeping on duty if company rules are violated, but due process and proportionality still matter.
Second Chances in the Judiciary: Understanding Judicial Clemency for Court Personnel
The Supreme Court explains when it may grant judicial clemency to dismissed court personnel, citing the case of a sheriff who erred on new procedural rules.
Pledged Shares and Lost Chances: No Right of Redemption in Philippine Pledge Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pledged personal property, including shares of stock, has no right of redemption after extrajudicial foreclosure.
Due Process in the Court of Appeals: Notice and Hearing Before a Temporary Restraining Order
A Supreme Court ruling explains why courts must study a case carefully before granting a temporary restraining order, and what counts as delay in judicial action.
Judicial Efficiency and Accountability: Understanding the Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's delay in resolving a case amounts to a violation of judicial conduct rules.
Safeguarding Due Process: Proper Preliminary Investigation and Bail Procedures
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability clarifies the mandatory rules on preliminary investigation and bail hearings in the Philippines.
Attorney Accountability in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and the Duty to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who accepts a client's money must render competent legal service or return the fees—the Supreme Court explains why.
Genuine Necessity in Eminent Domain: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court defines "genuine necessity" in expropriation cases and protects property rights against arbitrary government taking.
Illegal Preventive Suspension in the Philippines: The Gatbonton Case and Employee Rights
When is preventive suspension illegal in the Philippines? The Gatbonton v. Mapua ruling explains due process, publication of rules, and back wages.
Succession in Lease Agreements: Heirs' Obligations and Contractual Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease succession, heirs' obligations, and contractual liabilities in property sales with boundaries.
Validity OF FAX Notices IN Philippine Legal Proceedings Ensuring DUE Process
Attorney's Fees and Ethical Obligations in Disputes Over Legal Services
A Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal shows why courts award attorney's fees and how evidence must support claims for legal costs.
Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee DUE Process IN Termination Cases
A supervisor’s dismissal for abuse of authority upheld: the Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of valid termination under Philippine labor law.
Religious Freedom and Workplace Rules: The Ramadan Office Hours Ruling for Muslim Employees
The Supreme Court explains when religious accommodation in government workplaces is required by law and when it needs legislation.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Understanding the Irrevocability of Choices in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a tax refund or tax credit choice becomes irrevocable under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Fair Prosecution and Due Process: The Prosecutor's Role in Criminal Trials
When a judge allowed defense witnesses to testify without the prosecutor present, the Supreme Court reminded courts that the State is also entitled to due process.
When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
The Price of Delay: Judicial Efficiency and the Right to Speedy Justice in the Philippines
The Magna Financial Services v. Colarina case clarifies the limits of Article 1484 remedies and the importance of timely judicial action.
Supreme Court Strikes Down SSS Retirement Date Restriction on Survivor's Pension
The Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the SSS rule limiting survivor's pension to beneficiaries "as of the date of retirement," ruling it violates due process and equal protection.