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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Union Dues and Agency Fees: When Can Labor Unions Validly Increase Them?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the documentary requirements for valid union dues and agency fee increases under the Labor Code.
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.
Illegal Drug Cases: Why Chain of Custody Failures Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break chain of custody rules. Learn the requirements and practical lessons.
Unreasonable Search Exclusionary Rule AND Witness Requirements IN Drug Cases
Substantiation of Tax Deductions: Proper Documentation Under Philippine Tax Law
Philippine law requires proper documentation for tax deductions, including PWD discounts. Learn the rules and substantiation requirements.
Premature Environmental Challenges Clarifying EIS Requirements in Public-Private Partnerships
Supreme Court clarifies when EIS and ECC duties arise in PPP projects, ruling that pre-bidding environmental challenges are premature.
Residency Requirements vs. Constitutional Rights: The Dano Case on Domicile and Elections
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that temporary absence does not break residency for election purposes, protecting candidates' constitutional rights.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: What Republic v. Pangasinan Teaches Us
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for proving psychological incapacity to nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Rape Conviction Requires Clear Proof of Force and Victim's Age in Statutory Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof requirements for rape convictions, distinguishing simple rape from statutory rape and affirming credibility standards.
Default Judgment in Philippine Civil Cases: Why Timely Answers and Remedies Matter
Understand when Philippine courts may declare a party in default, the requirements, and the remedies available before a default judgment becomes final.
Eviction and Land Use: Clarifying Need and Notice in Property Repossession
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for ejectment under the Rental Law, including the three-month notice rule and what counts as an for the owner's family use.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining strict Section 21 requirements.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice and Payment Requirements Under Agrarian Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies agricultural lessee's right of redemption, written notice requirements, and tender payment obligations under R.A. 3844.
Receivership in Intra-Corporate Disputes: When Courts May Take Over a Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for appointing a receiver or management committee in intra-corporate disputes under the Interim Rules.
Employer-Employee Relationship and Due Process in DOLE Labor Standards Cases
Supreme Court ruling on DOLE jurisdiction, employer-employee relationship requirements, and due process in labor standards enforcement.
Substituted Service of Summons: When Courts Fail to Acquire Jurisdiction Over Defendants
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for substituted service of summons and when failure to comply means no jurisdiction over defendants.
Death Benefits for Seafarers: Proving Work Relatedness Under the POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, work-relatedness, and the POEA-SEC compensability requirements.
Upholding Corporate Meeting Validity Proxy Rights AND Timeliness IN Intra Corporate Disputes
Supreme Court rules on proxy rights, notice requirements, and the 15-day prescriptive period for election contests in intra-corporate disputes.
Perfecting Appeals Strict Compliance AND Jurisdictional Requirements IN Philippine LAW
Reconstitution of a Torrens title requires clear proof the certificate was genuine and in force when lost or destroyed.
Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines: Strict Rules on Extrinsic Fraud and Lack of Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for annulment of judgment, limited to extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction.
Docket Fees and Real Actions: Jurisdictional Requirements in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how unpaid docket fees and mislabeled complaints affect court jurisdiction in Philippine property cases, based on a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Redundancy Dismissals: Strict Compliance With Labor Code Imperative
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for valid redundancy termination, including mandatory DOLE notice and fair selection criteria.
Dual Allegiance Disqualification Renunciation Requirements FOR Elective Office
A naturalized Filipino who reacquired citizenship must strictly comply with renunciation requirements or face disqualification from elective office.
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Period and Government Classification Requirements
Learn the requirements for judicial confirmation of imperfect title under Philippine law, including possession since June 12, 1945 and land classification rules.