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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Comelec Jurisdiction Over Plebiscites Ensuring Electoral Integrity Beyond Elections
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec’s exclusive jurisdiction over plebiscite disputes, upholding its authority to revise ballots and declare results.
Judicial Determination of Just Compensation Prevails in Agrarian Reform Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed that courts, not administrative agencies, have final authority over just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee DUE Process IN Termination Cases
A supervisor’s dismissal for abuse of authority upheld: the Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of valid termination under Philippine labor law.
When Supervisors Abuse Authority: Labor Code Grounds for Valid Dismissal
A supervisor who made subordinates work at his house and lent money at high interest was validly dismissed for breach of trust under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Environmental Law Protecting Watersheds and Enforcing Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on watershed protection, local government authority, and the permanent closure of the San Mateo landfill.
Delegation of Authority in Tax Assessments: When a Subordinate's Demand Letter Becomes Final
Learn when a demand letter from a BIR subordinate officer counts as the Commissioner's final decision on a protested tax assessment, and why timing matters.
Substantial Compliance and Ratification in Corporate Litigation: China Banking Corp v. Mondragon
SC rules on substantial compliance with forum shopping certification and ratification of signatory authority in corporate litigation.
Judicial Ethics for Court Employees: The Limits of Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court personnel that good intentions do not excuse using court authority and resources for purely private matters.
Court Employee Accountability: Unauthorized Release of Bailbond Documents
Court utility worker suspended for releasing bailbond documents without authority. Learn the ethical rules for court personnel.
Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Philippine Termination Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule in employee dismissal, balancing employer authority with due process rights.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.
Ombudsman's Power to Investigate and Prosecute SAL Violations Under RA 3019
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's authority to investigate and prosecute public officials for failure to file Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Safeguarding Electoral Due Process: HRET Authority to Review COMELEC Actions
The Supreme Court affirms the HRET's power to disregard void COMELEC resolutions that violate a candidate's right to due process.
Equal Treatment in Back Pay for Philippine Ports Authority Employees
Supreme Court rules PPA employees hired after July 1, 1989 are entitled to COLA and amelioration allowance back pay.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Mortgage in Bad Faith When Due Diligence Falls Short
A mortgagee who fails to verify the identity and authority of the mortgagor is not in good faith and loses protection under PD 1529.
Usurpation of Authority, Preventive Suspension, and Fraud Upon Government
Explaining when a suspended official's act of reassuming office constitutes fraud upon government under Section 13 of RA 3019.
Protecting Labor's Bread: Defining Employee Status and Rights to Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure, back salaries, and the binding authority of CSC regional offices in personnel matters.
Retired Judges Cannot Promulgate Decisions: A Lesson in Judicial Accountability
When a judge retires, their judicial authority ends. Promulgating a retired judge's decisions can result in administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
Due Process in Employment Termination: Balancing Employer Authority and Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule and hearing requirement in dismissal cases, and the nominal damages for procedural lapses.
Judicial Authority AND Administrative Circulars Resolving Conflicts IN Court Decision Making
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
Compromise Agreements in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases: PCGG Authority and Finality
The Supreme Court affirms PCGG's power to settle ill-gotten wealth cases through compromise agreements, which become final once court-approved.
Dishonesty and Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Upholding Public Trust Through Accountability
Court personnel who collect funds without authority and abandon their posts betray public trust. The Supreme Court rules on the consequences.