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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Airport Fee Hikes Require Notice and Public Hearing: MIAA Rate Increases Void
Supreme Court nullifies MIAA fee increases for lack of notice and public hearing, affirming the DOTC Secretary's authority over rate revisions.
Upholding Disciplinary Authority: Administrative Dismissal Despite Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court affirms that a government agency's disciplinary authority prevails over procedural technicalities in administrative dismissal cases.
Dismissal of Complaint: Balancing Promptness and the Pursuit of Justice in Philippine Courts
When can a court dismiss a complaint for lack of authority and improper certification? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on real parties-in-interest and appeal remedies.
When Judges Cannot Notarize Documents: Limits on Notarial Authority and Admissibility in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies when judges may notarize documents, why invalid notarization affects admissibility, and what makes a deed private.
When Real Estate Disputes Belong in Regular Courts, Not HLURB
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lot sale dispute falls under regular court jurisdiction rather than HLURB's exclusive authority.
Forum Shopping Certification and Timely Appeals: Pascual and Santos v. Tramo Wakas
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority to sign non-forum shopping certifications and timely filing of appeals by registered mail.
Corporate Authority and Timely Filing: Navigating Court Procedures in Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authorization and filing deadlines in land dispute appeals.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: All Petitioners Must Sign or Show Authority
Philippine Valve v. NLRC clarifies that every petitioner must sign the certification of non-forum shopping, or prove authority to sign for others.
Civilian Supremacy Prevails Military Court Jurisdiction Limited By Service-Connected Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies military court jurisdiction is limited to service-connected offenses, upholding civilian court authority over non-military crimes.
Executive Judges Cannot Overrule a Judge's Voluntary Inhibition
Supreme Court clarifies that executive judges lack authority to reverse a judge's voluntary inhibition, which is a judicial act reserved for the Court.
Defining Real Estate Jurisdiction When IS A Sale A Subdivision Under Hlurb Authority
Cable TV Rates: NTC Has Exclusive Power Over Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on whether local governments can regulate cable TV subscriber rates, clarifying NTC's exclusive authority.
When Court Personnel Act Without Authority: A Lesson in Administrative Discipline
A judge and court staff were disciplined for transferring court operations without prior approval. A clear lesson on administrative authority.
Upholding Judicial Authority: The Consequences of Unauthorized Court Transfers
A judge and court staff were disciplined for moving a court's station without prior Supreme Court approval. Learn the rules and risks.
Balancing Discretion and Qualification: Upholding the Appointing Authority in Civil Service
The Supreme Court affirms that appointing authorities have discretion in promotions, provided appointees meet qualification standards.
When a Lawyer's Authority Dies With the Client: Lessons From A.C. No. 5182
A lawyer cannot rely on a special power of attorney after the client's death. The Supreme Court's ruling on agency, trust duties, and lawyer accountability explained.
Voluntary Submission: How Filing a Motion Can Establish Court Jurisdiction
Filing any motion without objecting to jurisdiction can constitute voluntary submission to a Philippine court's authority over a defendant's person.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Disrespect Toward the IBP
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's appeal and repeatedly ignoring the IBP's authority.
Standing to Sue, Co-Ownership Authority, and the Demurrer to Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner may sue alone and why lack of authority is not a ground for demurrer to evidence.
Deregulation and Due Process: The NTC's Authority Over SMS Regulation
In Globe Telecom v. NTC, the Supreme Court struck down a fine on Globe for offering SMS without prior approval, exposing the regulator's confusing rules.
NTC Authority to Grant Provisional Authorities and the Non-Exclusive Nature of Telecom Franchises
The Supreme Court affirms NTC's discretion to grant provisional authorities to multiple telecom providers, upholding healthy competition over exclusivity claims.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit and Unauthorized Representation in Estate Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for deceiving clients into signing an authority that let him file unauthorized estate proceedings.
Executive Judge Fined for Overstepping Authority in Cases Pending Before Lower Court
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that executive judges cannot issue orders in cases pending before lower courts, even with good intentions.
Abuse of Authority: A Judge's Unlawful Order for Warrantless Arrest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the limits of judicial authority in drug cases.