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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Peaceful Assembly in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Permit Requirements After Bayan v. Ermita
The Supreme Court upheld the permit requirement for rallies but struck down the Calibrated Preemptive Response policy. Learn your rights.
Fatal Flaws in Philippine Wills: Why Proper Attestation and Acknowledgment Are Non-Negotiable
Learn why the Supreme Court denied probate of a notarial will with three fatal defects under the Civil Code's formal requirements for wills.
Due Process for Probationary Employees Navigating Termination and Notice Requirements in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the due process rights of probationary employees in the Philippines, including termination rules, notice requirements, and legal remedies.
Valid Retrenchment in the Philippines: When Can a Company Terminate Employees Due to Financial Losses
The Supreme Court explains the requirements for valid retrenchment due to financial losses, including notice, separation pay, and proof of losses.
Philippine Retrenchment Navigating Layoffs AND DUE Process TO Avoid Costly Labor Disputes
Understand Philippine retrenchment rules from TPI v. Cajucom: valid authorized cause, proper notice, and separation pay requirements.
Retrenchment in Philippine Labor Law: When Cost-Cutting Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for valid retrenchment and redundancy, and the consequences of bad-faith dismissals.
Navigating Regulatory Requirements WHY Agency Interpretations Matter IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Business Closure: Legally Navigating Employee Terminations to Avoid Costly Disputes
A look at Industrial Timber Corp. v. Ababon on valid business closure, termination pay, and the cost of missing notice requirements.
Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee DUE Process IN Termination Cases
A supervisor’s dismissal for abuse of authority upheld: the Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of valid termination under Philippine labor law.
Civil Service Eligibility Requirements for Government Positions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified civil service eligibility rules for government appointments, using the Nazi v. Calingin case as a guide.
Domicile Dilemmas: Residency Requirements for Philippine Election Candidates
The Supreme Court explains what "residence" really means for election candidates—and why buying property alone won't establish domicile.
Probationary Employment and Employer Prerogative: When Clearance Requirements Justify Non-Regularization
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment, employer prerogative, and reasonable pre-employment requirements for regularization.
Tax Sale Invalidity: Strict Compliance With Notice Requirements Protects Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how failure to give proper notice in tax delinquency sales invalidates the sale and protects property owners' rights.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Timeliness in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the four-year prescriptive period and strict requirements for annulment of judgment based on extrinsic fraud under Rule 47.
Retrenchment Requirements: Proving Financial Losses and Fair Criteria in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: employers must prove substantial losses and use fair criteria like seniority when dismissing employees.
Due Process in Forfeiture Cases: Spouses' Right to Preliminary Investigation
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on forfeiture proceedings, spouses' due process rights, and preliminary investigation requirements under RA 1379.
Misjoinder of Parties and Its Effect on Verification and Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a misjoined party's failure to sign verification and certification against forum-shopping is not ground for dismissal.
Passport Loss Liability: Negligence and Damages in LBC Express v. Ado
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability for lost passport, damages rules, and proof requirements in LBC Express v. Ado.
Promissory Notes and Specific Denial: Upholding Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on promissory notes, specific denial requirements, and the best evidence rule in loan recovery cases.
Valid Service of Court Decisions: Ensuring Due Process Through Proper Notification
Learn how valid service of court decisions protects due process rights, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notice requirements.
Substantial Compliance Prevails: Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with procedural requirements may excuse technical lapses, ensuring cases are decided on merits.
Reconstitution Denied: Insufficient Evidence Fails to Restore Lost Land Title
Philippine Supreme Court denies reconstitution of lost land title due to insufficient evidence, clarifying strict requirements under RA 26.
Res Judicata: The Bar Against Relitigating Claims in Philippine Courts
Understand the doctrine of res judicata in Philippine courts, its requirements, and practical implications for litigants and lawyers.
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Cases: The Strict Rule on Posting an Appeal Bond
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling that an employer's failure to post an appeal bond on time is fatal to an appeal, even if other requirements were met.