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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Incestuous Rape: The Unquestioned Authority of a Parent and the Absence of Force
The Supreme Court explains why force is not required in incestuous rape when a father's moral ascendancy over a minor child suffices.
Judicial Discretion vs Abuse: Defining the Limits of Authority in Contempt Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's refusal to accept an appeal constitutes abuse of authority or mere judicial discretion.
Seafarers Disability Claims: The Binding Authority of Company-Designated Physicians
Learn how Philippine courts weigh company-designated physician assessments against seafarer second opinions in disability claims, and what this means for your case.
Police Power vs Customs Authority: The Limits of Search and Seizure in the Philippines
When can police search cargo without customs authority? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Boac v. People.
Corporate Authority: When Can a President Bind a Corporation Without a Board Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president can sign pleadings and bind the company without a board resolution.
Limits to Private Appeals Examining the Scope of Authority in Philippine Administrative Law
A private complainant cannot appeal a PNP administrative case; only the government and respondent may do so under RA 6975.
Defining HLURB Jurisdiction When Real Estate Disputes Fall Under Court Authority
When does a real estate dispute belong in court instead of the HLURB? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cadimas v. Carrion.
Motion Denied: Why a Defective Notice Dooms an Appeal in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective verification, missing proof of authority, and improper counsel representation can derail appeals in Philippine courts.
PCG Disciplinary Authority: Supreme Court Upholds Coast Guard’s Separate Administrative System
Supreme Court affirms the PCG Efficiency and Separation Board’s power to discipline uniformed personnel, distinct from civil service rules.
Upholding NHA's Authority to Relocate and Demolish in Urban Development Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NHA's power to relocate and demolish structures under P.D. 1315 and P.D. 1472.
Lawyer Suspended for Misusing Attached Properties in Custody of Court
Lawyer suspended one year for taking custody of attached vehicles without court authority and allowing their unauthorized use.
DAR Authority Over Land Conversion Disputes: Lessons from Polo Coconut
The Supreme Court ruled that local reclassification cannot remove farmland from agrarian reform coverage without DAR conversion approval.
Authority TO Sell Written Power IS KEY To Valid Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Estate of Lino Olaguer clarifies when a written power of attorney is required for valid real estate sales.
Illegal Recruitment Conviction Stands Even Without Direct Misrepresentation of Authority to Deploy Workers Abr
The Supreme Court affirms that giving the impression of ability to send workers abroad, without express claims of authority, constitutes illegal recruitment.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.
Upholding Workers' Rights: The Extent of DOLE's Authority and the Validity of Labor Standards Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of DOLE's visitorial powers over labor standards claims and the limits of its jurisdiction.
When Judges Overstep: Notarizing Private Deeds as Ex-Officio Notaries
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges may notarize documents, and the limits of their authority as ex-officio notaries public.
Ports Authority vs Private Operators: When Can the Government Operate Directly
Supreme Court ruling on when government agencies can operate ports without franchises, and limits on lower court injunctions.
Sheriff's Overzealous Writ Execution: Grave Abuse of Authority and Citizen's Rights
When a sheriff's writ execution crosses the line into illegal detention and premature demolition, the Supreme Court steps in to protect citizens' rights.
SEC Authority Validating Stock and Transfer Books Over Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the SEC has regulatory jurisdiction to validate and cancel stock and transfer books.
Authority TO Appeal THE Solicitor Generals Exclusive Role IN Criminal Cases
Ombudsman’s Disciplinary Authority: Ensuring Compliance and Immediate Execution
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman’s full disciplinary power and the immediately executory nature of preventive suspension orders.
Substantial Compliance and Corporate Authority in Forum Shopping Certifications: A Philippine Guide
Explains when a belated secretary's certificate can cure a defective corporate verification in Philippine court petitions, citing the YMCA v. Remington ruling.
Clerk of Court Reprimanded for Issuing Commitment Order Without Judicial Authority
A clerk of court who issued a commitment order overstepped her authority. The Supreme Court ruled this is simple misconduct warranting a fine.