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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Due Process Prevails: Demotion Without Notice Violates Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in employee discipline, examining demotion without notice and seafarer abandonment cases.
Motion Denied: Why a Defective Notice Dooms an Appeal in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective verification, missing proof of authority, and improper counsel representation can derail appeals in Philippine courts.
Estafa Conviction Overturned: The Critical Role of Notice in Bouncing Check Cases
The Supreme Court acquits Goretti Ong of estafa, ruling that failure to prove notice of dishonor is fatal to a bouncing check prosecution.
Due Process and Service of Summons in Labor Disputes: Ensuring Fair Notice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of summons in labor cases is complete, even if mail is unclaimed.
Employee Dismissal: When Courts Can Look Beyond the Termination Notice
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether courts may consider grounds beyond those stated in an employee's termination notice in illegal dismissal cases.
Lis Pendens and Due Process: Protecting Registered Owners in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a notice of lis pendens may be annotated, balancing a claimant's interest against a registered owner's right to due process.
Finality of Judgments: Understanding Motions for Reconsideration in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a second motion for reconsideration may be allowed, emphasizing finality of judgments and notice to counsel rules.
Lis Pendens and Fraudulent Patents: When a Buyer Is Not in Good Faith
The Supreme Court explains when a notice of lis pendens defeats a claim of good faith purchase of registered land.
Extrajudicial Repossession After Lease Default: What Irao v. By the Bay, Inc. Means
Supreme Court explains when a lessor's demand letter counts as notice of termination, allowing extrajudicial repossession of leased property.
Failure to Present Logbook and Follow Due Process Makes Seafarer Dismissal Illegal
Supreme Court rules a seafarer's dismissal was illegal where the employer relied only on fax messages and failed to observe the two-notice rule.
Illegal Dismissal of Security Guards: When a Verbal "Don't Report" Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of security guards, burden of proof, and the two-notice rule.
Motion Denied: Strict Enforcement of Notice Requirements in Lifting Property Levies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quieting title, property levies, and the strict enforcement of redemption periods after execution sales.
Project Employee Status Requires Clear Notice: Hanjin Heavy Industries v. Ibañez
When does a construction worker become a regular employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on project employment and termination.
Beyond the Signature: Validating Agreements Despite Spousal Absence and Time Lapses in Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa clarifies deceit, notice of dishonor, and penalties for bouncing checks.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: The Notice Requirement in BP 22 Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that proof of receipt of notice of dishonor is essential to convict under BP 22, the bouncing checks law.
Ensuring DUE Process Notice Requirements IN Land Title Reconstitution
Insufficient Notice Leads to Illegal Dismissal of Seafarer: Due Process in Maritime Employment
A seafarer's dismissal was ruled illegal because vague logbook entries and a general notice failed the due process requirements under POEA rules.
Just Cause Without Due Process: When Dismissal Stands But Damages Follow
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a valid cause for dismissal does not excuse an employer from the two-notice rule, imposing nominal damages.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Final Judgments and Property Rights Under Biglang-Awa
Learn when a notice of lis pendens can be cancelled after a final judgment, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Biglang-Awa v. Philippine Trust Company.
Perfected Appeal: No Second Notice Needed After Decision Modification
A timely first notice of appeal perfects an appeal even if the trial court later modifies its decision. Learn the rule from PNB-Republic Bank v. Cordova.
Timely Notice of Appeal Protects Right to Appeal Modified Judgment
Supreme Court ruling on when a notice of appeal perfects an appeal and protects a party's right to challenge a modified judgment.
Bouncing Checks Acquittal: When Lack of Notice of Dishonor Leads to Acquittal and Reduced Civil Liability
SC acquits in B.P. 22 case for lack of proof of notice of dishonor, but reduces unconscionable 10% monthly interest to 12% per annum.
Judicial Accountability When Haste Leads to Injustice in Granting Bail
A 2008 Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that bail in capital-offense cases requires notice, hearing, and evidence — not haste that defeats due process.
Due Process in Termination: The Two-Notice Rule and Nominal Damages
Learn the two-notice rule in employee termination and when nominal damages apply, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.