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.
When Judges Delay: Supreme Court Fines Judge for Gross Neglect of Duty
A Philippine judge was fined PHP 185,003 for delaying decisions and violating rules on video conferencing hearings. Here's what this means for judicial accountability.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
Preliminary Injunction vs Full Trial: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that a preliminary injunction hearing is not a substitute for a full trial on the merits in property disputes.
Fare Adjustments and Due Process: Public Participation in Philippine Rail Fare Setting
The Supreme Court ruled on whether notice and hearing are required before the government can raise LRT and MRT fares, clarifying due process in rate-fixing.
Navigating Fare Adjustments: The Syjuco Ruling on DOTC Rate-Setting Powers
The Supreme Court upholds DOTC's fare-setting authority for LRT and MRT, clarifying notice and hearing requirements for rate adjustments.
Expropriation Due Process: What Property Owners Must Prove
A Supreme Court ruling on Olongapo expropriation clarifies the requisites for valid taking, the need for genuine negotiation, and the right to a full hearing on defenses.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: The Senate v. Medialdea Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed the Senate's petition against the October 2021 Memorandum barring executive officials from Blue Ribbon hearings, citing premature filing.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence and Its Consequences: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's failure to attend hearings amounts to negligence, and why clients cannot simply withdraw disciplinary cases.
Recall of Appointments Without Notice and Hearing: Insights from a Landmark CSC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CSC may recall a civil service appointment without prior notice and hearing, and the limits of good faith.
Judicial Duties in Bail Applications: The Consequences of Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's dismissal for granting bail without hearings shows why bail rules demand strict compliance. Learn the duties.
Beyond the Hearing Room: Upholding Due Process in Employee Dismissal Cases
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling on due process in employee dismissal cases, clarifying the requirements for valid termination.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Ensuring Due Diligence in Small Claims Cases
A Supreme Court ruling holds court personnel and judges accountable for lapses in serving notices of hearing in small claims cases.
When Lawyers Neglect Cases: Suspension for Violating the Duty of Diligence
A lawyer who fails to file pleadings and attend hearings faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules on competence and diligence.
Neglect of Duty: Suspension for an Attorney's Failure to Uphold Client Interests
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year after he skipped hearings and failed to file pleadings, leaving his clients to lose their case and appeal.
Fresh Period Rule Applies to NCIP Appeals: A Win for Due Process in Indigenous Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Fresh Period Rule governs appeals from NCIP Regional Hearing Officers, protecting due process in ancestral land cases.
Treachery's Shadow: Redefining Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder instead of homicide? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of treachery in bail hearings and criminal liability.
Due Process in Attorney Discipline: Fair Hearings for Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court reminds us that even in lawyer discipline cases, due process and substantial evidence are required before any sanction.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Right to a Fair Hearing and Protection Against Gross Neglect of Duty
A mayor's dismissal for grave misconduct was reversed by the Supreme Court, which clarified the rule on prior authorization for local contracts.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Clarifying the Right to Be Heard
The Supreme Court clarifies that due process in administrative cases means a fair opportunity to be heard, not a formal trial-type hearing.
Bail vs Demurrer: Why Different Evidence Standards Apply in Provisional Liberty and Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies why bail hearings use a lower evidence standard than demurrers to evidence, which can lead to acquittal.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Failure to Provide Diligent Service
A lawyer who repeatedly failed to appear in court hearings was suspended for one year and ordered to return fees.
The Three-Day Notice Rule: Ensuring Due Process in Motion Hearings
The Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory three-day notice rule for motions and why personal service is preferred in Philippine procedure.
Due Process Prevails: COA Decision Overturned for Lack of Fair Hearing
The Supreme Court annulled a COA ruling that held BSP officers liable for a cash shortage without affording them due process.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Property Purchasers After Foreclosure
Learn when subsequent purchasers of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession, and the hearing requirement under Philippine law.