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.

Showing 111 of 11 articles for substantial compliance

Probating a Foreign Will in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case

Learn the formalities for probating foreign wills in the Philippines, from a landmark Supreme Court case on foreign law proof.

Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Strict Rules Under RA 26 Explained

Lost your Torrens title? Judicial reconstitution demands strict compliance with RA 26. Learn the rules, evidence, and burden of proof.

Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Strict Compliance with RA 26 Required

The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance is not enough when petitioning for reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under RA 26.

Conditional Donations: Substantial Compliance and Donor Intent in Land Donations

Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with a donation's primary purpose, not perfect performance, governs conditional land donations.

Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action

The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.

Compromise Agreements and Rescission: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling

When can a compromise agreement be rescinded? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on non-performance and rescission under Article 2041.

Authority to File Suit: When a Missing SPA Defeats Court Jurisdiction

A complaint filed by an attorney-in-fact without a Special Power of Authority is invalid, depriving the court of jurisdiction over the case.

When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: Ben Line v. Madson

The Supreme Court ruled that procedural rules must yield to substantial justice when a party rectifies defects, as in Ben Line v. Madson.

Union Dues Increase: Supreme Court Requires Strict Compliance for Agency Fees

The Supreme Court ruled that increased union agency fees require strict compliance with Labor Code approval and documentation requirements.

HLURB Jurisdiction Over Homeowner-Developer Disputes: Key Ruling

The Supreme Court confirms HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over homeowner-developer construction disputes, not the RTC. Learn the rules and practical implications.

Defective Verification and Forum Shopping Certification: Why Cases Get Dismissed in Philippine Courts

Learn how defective verification or certification against forum shopping can get a case dismissed in Philippine courts, based on Loquias v. Ombudsman.