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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Homeowner Rights vs Developer Authority Clarifying Subdivision Regulations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a homeowner's Torrens title can be subdivided, and a bank's liability for releasing a mortgaged owner's duplicate certificate.
Forum Shopping Certificates and Corporate Authority: Who May Sign for a Corporation
A corporate plaintiff's certificate of non-forum shopping must be signed by a duly authorized person. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Governor vs Vice-Governor: Who Approves Sanggunian Purchases and Appointments?
Supreme Court clarifies the dividing line between a governor's executive control and a vice-governor's authority over Sangguniang Panlalawigan operations.
Verbal Promises vs Corporate Authority: Enforceability of Employment Benefits in the Philippines
When can a verbal promise by a corporate officer bind the company? The Supreme Court explains the limits of corporate authority over employment benefits.
Judicial Misconduct: Judge Exceeds Authority in Preliminary Investigation
When a judge oversteps authority by conducting preliminary investigations, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn from Ribaya v. Binamira-Parcia.
Supplemental Complaints Upholding Justice AND Efficiency IN Legal Proceedings
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial authority in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.
Usufruct Rights and Survey Authority: Determining Land Boundaries in NHA v. Court of Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved conflicting surveys over a seven-hectare usufruct, and the rules on boundary determination.
Authority to Sell: Bank Receivership and Corporate Deals During Receivership
When a bank is under receivership, its officers lose power over assets. Only the receiver may administer—not sell—bank property.
Correcting Election Returns: The Presidential Electoral Tribunal's Authority to Rectify Manifest Errors
The PET may correct manifest errors in election returns and certificates of canvass as part of its constitutional mandate to judge election contests.
Manifest Error vs. Actual Recount: Defining the Electoral Tribunal's Authority
In Legarda v. de Castro, the Presidential Electoral Tribunal clarified when it may correct manifest errors in canvass documents without a full ballot recount.
PPA Rate Increases and Due Process: What Shipping Lines Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when notice and hearing are required for port rate increases by the Philippine Ports Authority.
Conflicting Land Titles: DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of CLOA-Based Titles
When land titles conflict, knowing which court has jurisdiction is crucial. The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's exclusive authority over CLOA-derived titles.
Church Authority vs Civil Courts: Defining the Boundaries of Religious Freedom in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules civil courts cannot interfere in church expulsions, upholding religious freedom and ecclesiastical autonomy.
Upholding Public Trust: A Sheriff’s Liability for Unauthorized Foreclosure Sales
A sheriff who conducted foreclosure sales outside court authority was suspended for six months for breaching public trust in the judiciary.
Local Government vs National Authority Defining Cable TV Franchising Powers
Supreme Court clarifies that only the NTC may grant cable TV franchises; local governments cannot exceed their regulatory powers.
When a Judge Goes Too Far: Territorial Limits on Philippine Court Proceedings
A judge held liable for conducting court proceedings in the US without authority, explaining the territorial limits of Philippine courts.
Judicial Overreach: Defining the Boundaries of Supervisory Authority in Philippine Courts
A court clerk's unauthorized receipt of money leads to suspension, clarifying the limits of authority and accountability in the judiciary.
Judicial Overreach Limits on Notarial Authority of Judges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies limits on judges' notarial authority under Circular No. 1-90, penalizing unauthorized notarization of private documents.
Habeas Corpus Custody: When a Judge's Provisional Custody Order Is Not Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's provisional custody order in habeas corpus cases constitutes abuse of authority or gross ignorance of law.
Notarial Misconduct Upholding Public Trust in Legal Documentation
A notary who acts outside her commission undermines public trust. The Court fined a lawyer P10,000 for notarizing documents in Bayombong without authority.
MTRCB Review Power Over TV Programs: The Inside Story Ruling on Freedom of Expression
Supreme Court affirms MTRCB authority to review all television programs, including public affairs shows, citing the Iglesia ni Cristo doctrine.
When Promises Corrupt Justice: Ethical Boundaries for Court Sheriffs in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' ethical duties, corruption, and the consequences of overstepping authority in court proceedings.