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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Payroll Evidence in Philippine Labor Disputes: Ensuring Fair Hearings for Employers
A Supreme Court ruling on payroll evidence in labor disputes, protecting employers' right to present original documents for fair hearings.
Fatal Procedural Error: How a Missing Notice of Hearing Can Doom Your Motion for Reconsideration in the Philip
Learn how a missing notice of hearing can doom a motion for reconsideration in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules.
Due Process in Court: Why Proper Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
A judge dismissed for quashing a search warrant and granting bail without notice—what this means for fair procedure in Philippine courts.
Right of Way Easements in the Philippines: The Least Prejudice Rule and Due Process
Philippine courts require hearing all affected landowners in right of way disputes. Learn the least prejudice rule from Almendras v. Court of Appeals.
Mandatory Bail Hearings in Capital Offenses: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules bail in capital offenses requires mandatory hearing; judges fined for granting bail without due process.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Formal Hearings Are Mandatory for Elected Officials
The Supreme Court rules that administrative cases against elected officials require formal hearings, not just position papers, to satisfy due process.
Election Disqualification Cases: COMELEC's Continuing Jurisdiction After Proclamation
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC must continue hearing disqualification cases even after a candidate's proclamation, citing Section 6 of RA 6646.
When an Employee's Failure to Attend a Hearing Waives the Right to Present Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a party's absence at labor hearings amounts to waiver of the right to present evidence, and clarifies appeal bond rules.
Due Process for Teachers: Ensuring Fair Administrative Hearings in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that public school teachers facing administrative charges are entitled to a properly constituted investigating committee under RA 4670.
Granting Bail Without a Hearing: A Judge's Error and Its Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on a judge fined for granting bail in rape cases without a hearing, a grave error.
When Is a Bail Hearing Required in the Philippines? Key Rules from a 1997 SC Ruling
Philippine courts must hold a bail hearing in capital offenses even if the prosecutor waives it. Learn the rules from Cortes v. Catral.
Due Process in Philippine Administrative Investigations: The Casuela Case and the Five-Day Bar Rule
The Supreme Court affirms that administrative investigations must respect the five-day bar rule before hearing, ensuring due process for respondents.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Just Cause and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and the twin requirements of notice and hearing.
Motion for Reconsideration: Why a Notice of Hearing Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
A motion for reconsideration without a notice of hearing is pro forma and will not stop the appeal period. Learn the rule and the De la Peña case.
Bail in Capital Offenses: When Is a Hearing Mandatory?
A judge must hold a hearing before granting bail in capital offenses, even if the prosecution does not object. Learn the rule.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must observe notice and hearing requirements before terminating employees, even with alleged just causes.
Accountability in Public Service: The Consequences of Neglect of Duty
A court interpreter's 10-year failure to prepare minutes of hearings results in suspension, underscoring public accountability.
Bail Hearings Protecting Due Process in Philippine Criminal Law
A judge was dismissed for granting bail without hearing and acquitting before defense rested. Learn the due process rules.
Bail in the Philippines: When Is a Hearing Required in Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that bail in capital offenses requires a hearing, even if the prosecution recommends bail.