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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Election Offenses and Court Jurisdiction: Defining the Boundaries of Legal Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies which courts have jurisdiction over election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.
Certiorari Dismissed: Defective Verification and Certification Against Forum Shopping
A Rule 65 petition signed by only one of two petitioners, without authority for the other,
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Reorganizing Government Agencies in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the President's power to reorganize executive agencies, clarifying the limits of executive authority under the Constitution.
Navigating Traffic: MMDA Authority and the Limits of Executive Action on Metro Manila Bus Terminals
The Supreme Court ruled on the limits of MMDA authority and executive power in ordering the closure of provincial bus terminals along EDSA.
Ombudsman's Supervisory Power Over Special Prosecutor in Graft Cases
Supreme Court clarifies Ombudsman's authority to reverse Special Prosecutor's dismissal recommendation in public official graft cases.
Upholding Employer Authority: Willful Disobedience and Seafarer Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on willful disobedience as valid cause for seafarer dismissal, with due process indemnity explained.
Ombudsman's Power to Discipline: Not Merely Recommendatory Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority over public officials is direct and enforceable, not merely recommendatory.
Habeas Corpus and Deportation: When Courts Overstep Immigration Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on when courts may not interfere with Bureau of Immigration deportation orders through habeas corpus petitions.
Presidential Authority and Government Reorganization Scope and Limitations
The Supreme Court affirms the President's broad power to reorganize executive departments, citing constitutional control, statutory grants, and good faith requirements.
Taxing Government Instrumentalities: Real Property Tax and Public Dominion Rules
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority case clarifies when government instrumentalities pay real property tax and why public ports cannot be sold.
Ombudsman's Independence: Defining CSC's Authority Over Internal Appointments
Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's power to set qualification standards for its own personnel, limiting CSC's role.
Unauthorized Real Estate Mortgage: Strict Interpretation of Special Power of Attorney
When a special power of attorney fails to identify the exact property, a mortgage over it is unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains why banks must verify authority.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Disguised Transactions
The Supreme Court nullifies a bank's foreclosure on property mortgaged without the owner's authority, reinforcing strict rules on special powers of attorney.
Universal Charge Under EPIRA: Police Power, Not Taxation, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld the EPIRA's Universal Charge as a valid police power exaction, not a tax, and found no undue delegation of legislative authority.
Universal Charge Under EPIRA: Balancing Regulatory Power and Consumer Protection
The Supreme Court upheld the EPIRA universal charge as a valid police power exaction, not a tax, and affirmed ERC's delegated authority.
Void Judgments Create No Rights: The Borres Heirs Case
A judge who decides after retirement acts without authority. His decision is void ab initio and can never become final or create rights.
Sheriffs Authority Limits On Enforcing Barangay Settlements
When can sheriffs enforce a barangay amicable settlement? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of sheriff authority in Solway v. Pascasio.
Exclusive Franchises and Constitutional Limits: Water District Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled Section 47 of PD 198 unconstitutional, striking down exclusive water district franchises as contrary to the Constitution.
Authority TO File When CAN A State Prosecutor ACT Without City Prosecutor Approval
Upholding Court Authority Consequences FOR Attorneys Failing TO Comply With Directives
COMELEC’s Decisive Power: Ensuring Fair Elections Beyond Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s broad authority to act decisively on election irregularities, prioritizing credible elections over procedural technicalities.
Notarial Wills and Territorial Limits on Notary Public Authority
A will acknowledged before a notary acting outside his commission is void. Learn the territorial limits rule from Guerrero v. Bihis.
Authority to Prosecute: The Necessity of Proper Authorization in Filing Criminal Informations
A state prosecutor without proper written authority cannot validly file criminal charges. Learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Turingan v. Garfin.