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: Credibility of the Victim and the Weight of Parental Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape explains why a child's testimony against a father deserves greater weight and credibility.
When Jurisdiction Attaches: The Ombudsman vs. DECS in Public School Teacher Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies which agency has jurisdiction over administrative cases against public school teachers, explaining the limits of the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority.
Electoral Tribunals Exclusive Jurisdiction Challenging Congressional Elections After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between COMELEC's jurisdiction over election annulment and the exclusive authority of electoral tribunals over election contests.
Ombudsman's Power to Preventively Suspend: Due Process in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court upheld the Ombudsman's authority to preventively suspend public officials, clarifying that such suspension is not a penalty and does not violate due process.
Buy-Bust Operations: Chain of Custody and Legal Authority in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies rules on buy-bust operations, drug testing, and proving lack of authority to sell shabu.
Local Government Authority and Ordinance Enforcement: A Guide for Businesses
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a city mayor's duty to enforce local ordinances, and what this means for businesses operating under reclassified zones.
Can Agency Guidelines Limit Court Injunctions? SEC Authority in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on whether SEC guidelines could shorten the life of preliminary injunctions in intra-corporate disputes.
Final Say on Ballots: Understanding COMELEC's Role in Philippine Election Protests
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's authority over ballot appreciation in election protests, explaining why courts defer to its factual findings.
Urban vs Agricultural Pesticides: Understanding FPA Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority regulates only agricultural pesticides, not urban pest control products.
Philippine Wage Orders: The Limits of Regional Wage Board Authority
The Supreme Court rules that regional wage boards cannot grant across-the-board increases to all workers, only minimum wage earners.
Pairing Judge Authority: When Orders Become Void After a Regular Judge Assumes Office
A pairing judge's authority ends when the regular judge assumes office. Orders issued after that are void, as Yujuico v. Quiambao shows.
Squatters Rights vs Government Authority: Eviction and Demolition in the Philippines
Understand when the government can evict and demolish structures, and why squatters cannot claim rights over government-owned land.
Citizen's Arrest in the Philippines: Barangay Tanod Authority and Your Rights
When can barangay tanods arrest without a warrant? The Salma case explains citizen's arrest rules and your rights under Philippine law.
Ombudsman's Authority and Due Process: Protecting Rights in Preliminary Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that preliminary investigation requires due process, not just procedural compliance.
Timber License vs Contract: DENR Authority Over Forest Resources
Supreme Court ruling on whether a timber license agreement and presidential warranty create vested rights against DENR's regulatory authority over forest resources.
Sheriffs Authority Limits and Liabilities in Property Demolition in the Philippines
When can a sheriff demolish property during execution? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a sheriff's authority and liability in demolition cases.
Spanish Titles and Stare Decisis: Santiago v. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that Spanish titles can no longer prove land ownership, and that final judgments bind even those who did not appeal.
Accountability Confirmed: Public Officials Liable for Missing Funds Despite Internal Audits
Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for malversation despite internal audit showing no shortage, clarifying COA's exclusive audit authority.
Upholding Final Judgments THE Limits OF DAR Authority IN Land Conversion Disputes
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction: Defining Government-Owned Corporations and Official Authority in Graft Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defined government-owned corporations and official authority for Sandiganbayan jurisdiction in graft cases.
When Can the Solicitor General Represent Public Officials: Clarifying Conflicts of Interest in Damage Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies the Solicitor General's authority to represent public officials and the limits of court jurisdiction over customs seizures.
The Ombudsman's Control Over Special Prosecutors: Limits on Prosecutorial Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's authority over special prosecutors and the limits of prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases.
Limits on Delegated Authority: NPC Drivers and Mechanics Association v. NPC
When board members send alternates to vote, are their resolutions valid? The Supreme Court says no—discretion cannot be delegated.
When Judges Overstep Preliminary Investigation Boundaries: A Lesson in Judicial Overreach
SC ruling on a judge who issued arrest warrants without preliminary investigation, and the limits of judicial authority.