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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Mining Claim Disputes: Tie Points and Reconstitution Requirements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mining claim validity, tie points under the Philippine Bill of 1902, and reconstitution rules.
Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions: Safeguarding Rights in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the four requirements for admissible extrajudicial confessions and what makes counsel "competent and independent" in custodial investigations.
Trial in Absentia and Due Process: Lessons from Parada vs. Judge Veneracion
When can trial proceed without the accused? The Supreme Court clarifies the constitutional requirements for trial in absentia in the Philippines.
Indirect Contempt in the Philippines: Due Process and Enforcement of Court Orders
Explaining indirect contempt under Rule 71, due process requirements, and how courts enforce final orders through summary proceedings.
When Is Dismissal Justified for Employee Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee misconduct: when dismissal is justified, what constitutes serious misconduct, and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must observe notice and hearing requirements before terminating employees, even with alleged just causes.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Just Compensation and Due Process
Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in eminent domain cases, focusing on just compensation and due process requirements.
When a Labor Arbiter's Decision Becomes Final: The Strict Rules on NLRC Appeals
Learn the mandatory requirements for perfecting an NLRC appeal and why a mere letter of protest cannot stop a final labor decision.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Legally Defend Yourself?
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, including unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation.
When Can a Company Terminate an Employee Due to Illness? Philippine Law Guide
Philippine law sets strict rules for terminating employees due to illness. Learn the requirements, including the six-month cure rule and medical certification.
Seafarer's Rights: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, due process requirements, and evidentiary standards in maritime employment cases.
Search Warrants in IP Cases: Probable Cause and Specificity Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probable cause and specificity requirements for search warrants in intellectual property infringement cases.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs Legally
Understand the legal requirements for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guerrero v. NLRC.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on unlawful aggression and justifiable force.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Requirements for Lawful Termination Due to Business Losses
The Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for valid retrenchment due to business losses and the penalties for failing to meet them.
Lost Documents in Court: Proving Your Case With Secondary Evidence in the Philippines
When the original document is lost, Philippine rules allow secondary evidence. Learn the requirements from a Supreme Court case.
PCGG Sequestration Orders: Due Process and Valid Authority Requirements
The Supreme Court rules that PCGG sequestration orders require at least two Commissioners and a prima facie showing, protecting due process rights.
Alibi Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Requirements and Limitations
Understand when alibi works as a defense in Philippine criminal cases, its legal requirements, and why courts view it with suspicion.
Age Requirements for Public Office: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court nullified a Jurisconsult's appointment for failing the statutory age requirement, underscoring that eligibility must exist at the time of appointment.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
Chattel Mortgage Insurance: When Lenders Must Notify Borrowers of Premium Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on chattel mortgage insurance renewals, lender obligations, and borrower notice requirements in installment payments.
Understanding Legal Redemption: Protecting Co-Owners' Rights in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' legal redemption rights, written notice requirements, and timely exercise under Civil Code Articles 1619-1623.
Validity OF Foreclosure Sales Notice Requirements AND DUE Process IN THE Philippines
When Can You Justifiably Use Force: Self-Defense in the Philippines
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, including the elements of unlawful aggression and how courts assess justifiable force.