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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Revocation of Authority and Amendment of Information in Election Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may amend informations and when arraignment may be suspended pending COMELEC appeal.
BSP’s Exclusive Authority Over Bank Receivership: What It Means for Depositors and Creditors
The Supreme Court affirms the BSP’s exclusive authority over bank receivership, clarifying the limits of court intervention and the rights of depositors and creditors.
Upholding Doles Authority When Labor Inspections Trump Individual Claim Limits
CSC Disciplinary Power Over State University Employees Affirmed Despite Board Autonomy
Supreme Court affirms CSC's authority to discipline state university employees, clarifying that board autonomy does not divest the Commission of jurisdiction.
Oath of Office Defines Authority: Upholding Appointments Before Succession in Public Office
When does an outgoing official lose appointing power? The Supreme Court rules on oath, succession, and valid promotions.
Sheriff Dismissed for Unauthorized Auction and Falsified Sale Certificate
A sheriff who conducted an auction without authority and falsified a certificate of sale was dismissed from service for grave misconduct.
Breach of Contract and Delay Damages in Construction Projects: Uy v. Public Estates Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on contractor claims for delay damages, standby equipment costs, and the strict written-change-order rule under Article 1724.
Abuse OF Parental Authority Upholding Justice FOR Victims OF Incestuous Rape
Upholding Judicial Authority When Disrespect AND Insubordination Lead TO Suspension
The Supreme Court suspends a court process server for one year for gross insubordination and simple misconduct toward his judge.
Eminent Domain Authority and Just Compensation in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court clarifies board authority for expropriation and the immediate payment rule under R.A. 8974 for writs of possession.
When Club By-Laws Fail: Protecting Membership Shares from Unjust Seizure
A Supreme Court ruling on when a non-stock corporation may validly dispose of a member's share for unpaid dues, and the limits of by-law authority.
Ombudsman’s Authority to Directly Impose Penalties on Erring Public Officials
Supreme Court confirms the Ombudsman may directly impose administrative penalties like suspension, not merely recommend them.
NEA Authority Over Electric Cooperatives: Regulation and Due Process Boundaries
Supreme Court ruling on NEA's supervisory power over electric cooperatives and the due process required in administrative removal cases.
Disbarment for Misusing Blank Checks: Dishonesty and Abuse of Authority
A lawyer who filled up borrowers' blank checks and filed baseless criminal cases was disbarred for gross misconduct and dishonesty.
Senate Authority vs Individual Rights: Defining Limits of Legislative Inquiries in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of Senate inquiry powers in Dela Paz v. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, balancing legislative authority with individual rights.
Horse Racing Regulation: Philracom's Power to Ensure Fair and Safe Races
The Supreme Court upholds Philracom's authority to issue rules and directives for the horse racing industry, including measures to eradicate Equine Infectious Anemia.
Land Registration Court Authority Overlapping Property Claims
When a court executes a final judgment, it cannot add reliefs—like possession—that the appellate court never awarded.
Who May File Libel Cases: City Prosecutor vs Provincial Prosecutor
Supreme Court rules on which prosecutor has authority to file libel Informations, and why a wrong prosecutor's filing is a fatal jurisdictional defect.
Retroactive Application OF Jurisprudence Clarifying THE Ombudsmans Authority
When a Judge Oversteps: Acting Without Authority and Denying Due Process
A judge who acts without authority as pairing judge and cites a party in contempt without hearing faces administrative liability.
When Court Personnel Overstep: The Limits of Judicial Authority in Execution Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs and clerks of court who bypass judicial authority in executing judgments.
Breach of Trust and Termination: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority
When can an employer validly dismiss a confidential employee for breach of trust? The Supreme Court explains in Bristol Myers Squibb v. Baban.
Allocation of Fiscal Duties: Demarcating the Authority of the City Accountant vs Treasurer in Funds Certificat
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinct fiscal duties of the city accountant and city treasurer in certifying fund availability for appointments.
Advertising Standards: Voluntary Self-Regulation vs Legal Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that the Advertising Board of the Philippines' clearance system is voluntary self-regulation, not government authority.