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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Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping: A Mandatory Requirement for Perfecting Labor Appeals
Learn why a missing Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping can doom a labor appeal and make a decision final and executory.
One-Day Late Appeal in Labor Cases: When Courts Excuse Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court rules a one-day late appeal in labor cases may be excused to serve justice, explaining the exception to the mandatory appeal period.
Sangguniang Bayan Concurrence in Municipal Appointments: A Mandatory Requirement
The Supreme Court ruled that municipal appointments require Sangguniang Bayan concurrence; without it, the appointment is invalid regardless of tenure.
Election Protests: The Crucial Role of Ballot Examination and the Limits of COMELEC En Banc Review
The Supreme Court clarifies when ballot revision is mandatory in election protests and why only final Division orders reach the COMELEC En Banc.
Union Dues and Tuition Fee Hises: Protecting Faculty Benefits Under the Law
Supreme Court clarifies union dues on tuition-fee-funded faculty benefits, protecting mandatory allocations from negotiation fees.
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure: Consignation of Redemption Price Is Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: filing a judicial redemption action does not stop a writ of possession unless the redemption price is paid or consigned.
Honoraria for Government Procurement: DBM Guidelines Are Mandatory
The Supreme Court ruled that BAC and TWG honoraria under RA 9184 require DBM guidelines; payments before these rules are disallowable.
Partition Disputes: The Mandatory Role of Commissioners in Property Division
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must appoint commissioners to divide property in partition disputes, and the limits of the parol evidence rule.
Homeowners Association Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mandatory Arbitration
When do homeowners association disputes go to HLURB instead of courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Dismissal Due Process: Employee Rights to Notice and Hearing Before Termination
Philippine law requires two notices before dismissal, but a formal hearing is not always mandatory. Learn the rules.
Judicial Efficiency: The Mandate for Timely Resolution of Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the 90-day period to decide cases is mandatory, not merely directory.
Title Reconstitution Requires Strict Adherence to Procedure: Republic v. Castro
The Supreme Court nullifies a title reconstitution for failure to comply with the mandatory requirements of Republic Act No. 26.
Perfecting Appeals: Understanding Timeliness and Exceptions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why appeal deadlines are mandatory and jurisdictional, and when exceptions may apply.
Mandatory Suspension Safeguarding Public Service Integrity
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mandatory suspension of public officials and its role in preserving public service integrity.
Drug Testing and Constitutional Rights: The Supreme Court's Balancing Act in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and accused persons.
Mandatory Drug Testing Under RA 9165: What the Supreme Court Upheld and Struck Down
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and criminal suspects.
THE Mandatory Nature OF Personal Filing IN Legal Proceedings Cadornigara V Nlrc
Road Lot Rights and Preliminary Injunctions: What Homeowners Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when homeowners can obtain preliminary mandatory injunctions to protect claimed road lot access rights.
Perfecting Appeals: The Indispensable Bond in Labor Disputes
Learn why posting a cash or surety bond is a mandatory requirement for perfecting an appeal from the Labor Arbiter to the NLRC.
Sheriff's Ministerial Duty to Execute Writs and the Proper Procedure for Collecting Expenses
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a sheriff's duty to enforce a writ is mandatory, and why collecting execution expenses outside the rules is misconduct.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunctions: Clear Right and Irreparable Injury Required
The Supreme Court explains when preliminary mandatory injunctions may issue, requiring clear rights and concrete proof of irreparable injury.
Bidding Required Government Contracts Must Ensure Fair Competition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public bidding is mandatory for government service contracts and why negotiated awards violate fair competition.
Perfecting Appeals: Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Mandatory in Philippine Courts
Learn why paying appellate docket fees on time is crucial—and when courts may relax the rule.
Mandatory Retirement Age for Water District Employees: The Bayona Case
The Supreme Court affirms that water district employees must retire at 65, not 60, and that forced early retirement entitles them to back salaries.