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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Judicial Accountability: Habitual Absenteeism and Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismissed a process server for habitual absenteeism, affirming that public office is a public trust demanding accountability.
Attitude Problems and Employee Termination: Defining Just Cause in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "attitude problem" can justify employee termination and the required notices for valid dismissal.
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.
Due Process in Criminal Prosecution: When the State May Present Additional Evidence
Explaining when courts may allow the prosecution to present additional evidence and how the State's right to due process balances against the accused's right to speedy trial.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: What Buyers Must Know Under Philippine Law
A buyer who stops paying installments in a contract to sell may lose ownership rights. Learn the key differences and protections.
Laches and Due Process in Public Employment: Can Delay Nullify a Wrongful Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed public employee's delay in filing a complaint bars reinstatement, even if dismissal lacked due process.
Fair Market Value vs. Actual Use: Defining Real Property Tax Assessments in the Philippines
The Supreme Court strikes down a Quezon City ordinance that based real property tax on deed prices, reaffirming actual use and fair market value as the legal standards.
Due Process in Termination: Ensuring Fair Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule in employee dismissal and the consequences of non-compliance.
Misconduct and Job Security: When a Private Agreement Impacts Employment
A fishing crew dismissed for taking fish without a gate pass learns that valid cause doesn't excuse denial of due process.
Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Philippine Termination Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule in employee dismissal, balancing employer authority with due process rights.
Per Diem Is the Limit: Examining Compensation for Water District Directors
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district directors may receive only per diems under PD 198, not other allowances or benefits.
From Grave to Simple: When Can Misconduct Charges Be Reduced
The Supreme Court explains when grave misconduct may be reduced to simple misconduct in administrative cases, and why due process allows it.
Corporate Rehabilitation vs. HLURB Jurisdiction in Real Estate Rescission Cases
When a developer under corporate rehabilitation faces rescission claims, SEC suspension rules may prevail over HLURB jurisdiction. Learn from this case.
Judicial Efficiency THE Duty OF Judges TO Promptly Resolve Cases AND THE Consequences OF Delay
Upholding Integrity Consequences FOR Mismanagement OF Court Funds IN THE Philippine Judiciary
Due Process and Immigration Law: When a Judge’s Procedural Errors Become Gross Ignorance
A judge’s disregard of the three-day notice rule and immigration law results in administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Impartiality AND DUE Process IN Execution OF Judgments
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Annulment of Judgment Is Justified
The Supreme Court explains when a counsel's negligence can justify annulment of judgment and when courts should liberally apply procedural rules.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Philippine Civil Service: Allowable Absences and Penalties Explained
Understand the rule on habitual absenteeism in the Philippine civil service, the allowable leave credits, and how penalties are determined.
Dismissal Upheld Despite Prior Termination When Dishonesty Charges Become Moot
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on project employment, labor-only contracting, and due process in illegal dismissal cases.
Prompt Transcription: Upholding Efficiency in Court Proceedings and Timely Access to Justice
A Supreme Court decision reminds court stenographers of the 20-day deadline to transcribe notes, highlighting how delays can obstruct access to justice.
Closure of Business Units: Employer Prerogative vs Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine law balances an employer's right to close business units against workers' security of tenure, with rules on retrenchment and closure.
Due Process in Forfeiture Cases: Spouses' Right to Preliminary Investigation
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on forfeiture proceedings, spouses' due process rights, and preliminary investigation requirements under RA 1379.
Safeguarding Electoral Due Process: HRET Authority to Review COMELEC Actions
The Supreme Court affirms the HRET's power to disregard void COMELEC resolutions that violate a candidate's right to due process.