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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Conditional Sales of Land: Upholding Contractual Obligations in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure, redemption rights, and the consequences of failing to prosecute a case for injunction.
Breach OF Public Trust Dismissal FOR Misuse OF Office AND Court Resources
Upholding DUE Process When CAN Labor Cases Overlook Technicalities
Bail in Drug Cases: Judges Must Follow Due Process and Know the Law
Supreme Court disciplines a judge for granting bail without hearing in drug cases, stressing judicial competence and mandatory bail hearings.
Property Rights vs Self-Help: Landowners Cannot Evict Holdover Tenants Without Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accion reinvindicatoria, property identification, and the limits of self-help in land disputes.
Insufficient Evidence and Due Process When Accusations Fail to Convict
A corporate officer's conviction under the Bouncing Checks Law requires proof of written notice of dishonor actually received by the accused.
Due Process in Motion Hearings: When a Judgment Cannot Bind a Non-Party
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts cannot bind non-parties to judgments, even in motion hearings, without due process.
Rice Allowance and the Salary Standardization Law: The LWUA-COA Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may keep allowances like rice subsidies under the Salary Standardization Law.
Lawyer Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Failing to Deliver Agreed Services
A lawyer was suspended for six months for misappropriating client funds and failing to appear in administrative hearings. Learn the ethical rules.
Upholding Notarial Duties Consequences FOR False Acknowledgment AND Jurisdictional Violations
Absenteeism in Public Service: Consequences and Mitigation in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine law treats absenteeism in public service, the consequences of unauthorized absences, and legal mitigation options.
Probationary Employment Termination Requires Just Cause AND Due Process
Probationary employees enjoy security of tenure. Employers must prove just cause and observe due process when terminating them.
Demolition Orders and Property Rights: Balancing Possession and Due Process in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on demolition orders in unlawful detainer cases, protecting property rights and due process.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Independent Assessment Before Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative due process: disciplining authorities must independently assess facts and law before imposing dismissal.
Upholding Public Trust: Sheriff Penalized for Neglecting Official Duty and Violating Office Procedures
A sheriff's repeated absences from his post without following office procedures led to a fine equivalent to one month's salary for simple misconduct.
Defiance in the Courtroom: Upholding the Finality of Judicial Decisions and Consequences for Contempt
When a Supreme Court decision becomes final, defiance has consequences. This case explains indirect contempt and the immutability of judgments.
Incestuous Sexual Abuse: When It Is Acts of Lasciviousness, Not RA 7610
SC clarifies when incestuous lewd acts on a sleeping child are acts of lasciviousness under the RPC, not RA 7610.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Grantors in Property Transactions
When a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, courts look at intent and circumstances, not just the document's title.
Probationary Employment: Just Cause and Due Process in Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on terminating probationary employees—just cause and due process requirements explained.
Morality vs Constitutionality: Manila's Ermita-Malate Ordinance Struck Down
The Supreme Court nullified Manila Ordinance No. 7783 banning motels and similar establishments in Ermita-Malate, ruling it violated due process and property rights.
Enforcing Justice Filing Fees AND Access TO Courts IN Foreign Judgment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on filing fees for enforcing foreign judgments, ensuring court access for human rights victims.
Due Process Prevails: Substantial Amendment to Information Requires New Preliminary Investigation
Supreme Court rules substantial amendments to criminal informations require new preliminary investigation to protect accused's due process rights.
Preliminary Investigation After Substantial Amendment: Due Process in Amended Criminal Charges
When can prosecutors amend criminal charges without a new preliminary investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rule.