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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Reviving Judgments: The Supreme Court on Delayed Execution and Equity
A sheriff's hasty eviction without the required notice is grave abuse of authority, even when enforcing a final judgment.
Injunctive Relief Limits in Administrative Cases: The Ombudsman's Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may enjoin Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases, emphasizing limits on injunctive relief.
Compromise Agreements Bind Courts: Enforcing Terms as Written
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, judicial authority, and remedies for breach in Bernardo v. Union Bank.
Parental Authority vs. Individual Rights: Sterilization of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in the Phili
The Supreme Court's Falcis ruling clarifies justiciability standards, impacting how courts handle cases involving parental authority and individual rights for persons with disabilities.
Due Process and Employee Dismissal: Balancing Rights and Employer Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin-notice rule in dismissals and when a flawed procedure still yields a valid termination.
Presidential Authority vs COA Oversight: Healthcare Benefits for Government Employees
Supreme Court ruling on when the President's approval of employee healthcare benefits still yields to COA audit rules and regulations.
Presidential Authority vs COA: Qualified Political Agency in Government Employee Benefits
Philippine Institute for Development Studies v. COA clarifies the doctrine of qualified political agency and limits on presidential delegation.
Presidential Power Over Public Land: Social Housing vs. Public Use
Supreme Court affirms presidential authority to withdraw public land from socialized housing disposition for public use, balancing resident rights.
Safeguarding Public Funds: The Ombudsman’s Authority in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman’s power to decide administrative cases and its standing to appeal, upholding findings of grave misconduct in a sham bidding.
Ombudsman's Power to Reopen Cases and Due Process in Preliminary Investigations
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on the Ombudsman's authority to reverse a predecessor's findings and due process limits in preliminary investigations.
Unauthorized Notarization by Public Officials: The Limits of Authority in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when notarization by a government lawyer constitutes unauthorized private practice under R.A. 6713.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Good Faith Compliance
A disbarred lawyer's failure to comply with a final Court order leads to indirect contempt, fines, and execution of judgment.
When SEC Authority Prevails: Jurisdiction and Real Party in Interest in Corporate Debt Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction and real party in interest rules in corporate debt disputes under SEC authority.
When Is a Reassigned Employee Considered AWOL? The Villaroman Rule
A reassigned government employee who reports to a different office without authority may still be considered AWOL and validly dropped from the rolls.
Breach of Trust: Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty in Handling Court Property
Clerk of court dismissed for taking court property without authority and lying under oath. Learn the rules on grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty Over Court Property
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for taking court property without authority and lying under oath, reaffirming strict standards for judicial personnel.
Upholding THE Ombudsmans Discretion Probable Cause AND Abuse OF Authority IN Criminal Complaints
Corporate Authority vs Apparent Authority: When Can a Corporation Deny Its President's Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporation can deny its president's authority to bind it, explained in plain language.
Deposit Insurance Claims Upholding Pdic Authority AND Defining Course OF Business
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation's regulatory authority over bank operations and the definition of "course of business" in deposit insurance claim
When a Mortgage on Trust Property Is Void: UCPB v. Spouses Chua
The Supreme Court rules that a bank cannot foreclose on properties held in trust when the trustee had no authority to mortgage them.
Valid Dation in Payment: When a Debtor's Creditor Still Has Authority to Settle
Supreme Court explains when a dation in payment is valid even if the creditor assigned its receivables to another party.
Alias Writ of Possession: The Limits of Trial Court Authority in Appeal Dismissals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trial court may dismiss an appeal, and why orders of execution are not appealable.
Exceeding Authority: Usurpation of Official Functions and Anti-Graft Violations in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on when a public officer's unauthorized acts constitute usurpation of official functions and graft under Philippine law.
Authority to File Suit: When a Missing SPA Defeats Court Jurisdiction
A complaint filed by an attorney-in-fact without a Special Power of Authority is invalid, depriving the court of jurisdiction over the case.