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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Notarial Negligence and Lawyer Accountability: Serzo v. Flores on Falsified Deeds
The Supreme Court revoked a notary's commission and suspended him for two years after he notarized a deed of sale signed by a man who had already died.
Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences For False Attestation In Legal Documents
Supreme Court revokes notary commission and suspends lawyer for notarizing a deed after the signatory had already died, underscoring strict notarial duties.
Status Quo Ante Orders and Election Disputes: The Estrella v. COMELEC Ruling
A mayor's battle for his seat shows why COMELEC commissioners cannot partially inhibit and still vote en banc. Learn the rule on quorum.
Notarizing Without the Parties: Administrative Liability for Falsified Acknowledgment
When a notary public notarizes a deed without the parties appearing, the Supreme Court can revoke the notarial commission and suspend the lawyer.
Jurisdiction Over Civil Service Disputes: The CSC's Exclusive Role
Learn why the Civil Service Commission, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over personnel disputes involving government employees.
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. General F
Supreme Court ruling on when media advertising expenses are deductible business expenses or capital outlays for goodwill.
Civilianizing the Coast Guard Appointments and the Reach of the Commission on Appointments
Explaining why Philippine Coast Guard officers need no CA confirmation once the agency is civilianized under the DOTC.
When Court Appointments Need No Confirmation: The Soriano v. Lista Ruling
Supreme Court explains which military appointments require Commission on Appointments confirmation, and why PCG officer promotions did not.
Clerks of Court Cannot Charge Fees for Receiving Ex Parte Evidence
Supreme Court rules clerks of court cannot collect commissioner's fees for receiving ex parte evidence; reprimand issued in A.M. No. P-02-1594.
Brokers Entitlement Procuring Cause VS Consummation OF Sale IN Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a real estate broker earns commission—procuring cause vs actual sale consummation.
Proportional Representation in Electoral Tribunals: The Pimentel Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on proportional representation of party-list groups in the HRET and Commission on Appointments.
Solidary Liability of Co-Principals in Agency: Agent May Collect Full Commission From Any Principal
When co-owners appoint an agent for a common transaction, they are solidarily liable. The agent can collect the full commission from any one of them.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft cases begins, distinguishing discovery from commission of the offense.
Due Process and Audit Reports: Fair Hearings in Financial Disputes
When courts appoint commissioners to audit financial records, due process requires formal hearings—not just interviews. The Supreme Court explains why.
Jurisdictional Boundaries: Appealing Customs Decisions and Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Importation D
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why importers must appeal customs abandonment decisions to the Commissioner and CTA, not RTC.
Fixed Terms for Constitutional Commissioners: The Gaminde Case on Staggered Terms
The Supreme Court clarifies that a constitutional commissioner's term follows the staggered system, not the appointment paper's date, as shown in Gaminde.
Prescription Periods in Graft Cases: The Discovery Rule for Ill-Gotten Wealth
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the prescription period for graft cases begins—from discovery, not commission, of the offense.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: The Napolcom Commissioners Case
When Congress declared Napolcom commissioners' terms expired, the Supreme Court struck it down as a violation of security of tenure.
Prescription of Behest Loan Cases: When Does the Clock Start for Anti-Graft Charges?
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription begins for behest loan cases under RA 3019, emphasizing discovery over commission.
Navigating Philippine Election Disputes Understanding Comelec AND Hret Jurisdiction
A clear guide to the division of authority between the Commission on Elections and the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal in election contests.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Lessons from Oil and Natural Gas Commission v. Pacific Cement
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when foreign judgments are enforceable and how courts interpret arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
Presidential Appointments in the Philippines: Limits of the Commission on Appointments' Confirmation Power
The Supreme Court clarifies which presidential appointments need Commission on Appointments confirmation under the 1987 Constitution.
Supremacy of Civil Service Law: Why Government Appointments Must Meet National Standards
The Supreme Court affirms the Civil Service Commission's power to recall appointments that fail to meet national qualification standards, even if approved locally.
Tax Assessment Waivers: Why the BIR Commissioner's Signature Is Crucial
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why waivers of the tax prescription period require the BIR Commissioner's signature to be valid.