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.
Submarine Cables as Taxable Real Property: Supreme Court Clarifies Local Government Authority
The Supreme Court rules submarine cables are taxable real property, affirming local governments' power to impose real property tax on these assets.
Appointment Authority Under the National Museum Act: Clarifying the Board's Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the National Museum Board of Trustees may appoint directors under R.A. 8492, not the Chairman alone.
Civil Service Jurisdiction: CSC Authority Over Employee Termination Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Civil Service Commission, not the RTC, has jurisdiction over termination disputes involving civil service employees.
When a Corporation Sues Without Board Authority: The Real Party-in-Interest Rule
A corporation can only sue through its board of directors. The Supreme Court explains why an unauthorized complaint gets dismissed.
When Can an Agent Delegate Authority? The Rule on Substitution Under Philippine Law
Philippine law presumes an agent may appoint a substitute unless prohibited. Learn the rules, limits, and risks from a Supreme Court ruling.
Accountability Prevails: COA's Power to Discipline and Recover Unlawful Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's authority to discipline its personnel and recover unauthorized benefits received from audited agencies.
Attorney Disbarment for Willful Disobedience Upholding Court Authority in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for willful disobedience, protecting court authority and the integrity of the legal profession.
Fiscal Autonomy vs COA Authority: PHIC Allowances and the Limits of GOCC Discretion
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PHIC's disallowed allowances, fiscal autonomy limits, and COA's audit power over GOCC benefits.
Cease and Desist Orders Secs Authority and the Limits of Judicial Intervention
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal from a trial court's dismissal order involves questions of fact, not just law.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.
MTC Authority to Issue Search Warrants: People v. Castillo Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs can issue search warrants even for offenses beyond their jurisdiction, under Rule 126.
Search Warrant Validity: MTC Authority and Jurisdictional Boundaries
Supreme Court clarifies that a Municipal Trial Court may issue a search warrant even for offenses outside its trial jurisdiction, within the same judicial region.
Breach of Trust in the Workplace: When Approving Authority Implies Culpability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property violates ethical rules, distinguishing business deals from fiduciary breaches.
Cooperative Debt Collection: Jurisdiction, Authority, and Interest Rates Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on cooperative debt collection, officer authority, and interest rate reductions in Fausto v. Multi Agri-Forest.
When Courts Can't Enjoin EPIRA: Limits of Judicial Authority on Injunctions
Supreme Court rules RTCs cannot enjoin EPIRA implementation—only the High Court may issue such injunctions, even in declaratory relief cases.
PCSD Authority to Regulate Live Fish Transport in Palawan Upheld
Supreme Court affirms PCSD's power to require accreditation for live fish carriers in Palawan under R.A. 7611.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
Corporate Liability When a School President's Actions Bind the Institution
When does a school president's act bind the corporation? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority and corporate liability in Georg v. Holy Trinity College.
Upholding PhilHealth's Authority: Balancing Public Health and Financial Sustainability
The Supreme Court upholds PhilHealth's premium rate increases, affirming the state insurer's authority to set contributions for financial sustainability.
OGCC Authority Over GOCC Legal Representation Clarified in Land Bank Replevin Case
Supreme Court clarifies OGCC's authority over GOCC legal representation, allowing LBP Legal Services to participate with OGCC consent in replevin cases.
Jurisdiction Over Annulment OF Judgments Defining THE Boundaries OF THE Court OF TAX Appeals Authority
Negligence on the Road: When Employer Liability Intersects With Employee Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on bus driver dismissals clarifies negligence as just cause, procedural due process, and the limits of settlement authority.
Navigating Property Disputes: The Crucial Role of Assessed Value in Determining Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata and jurisdiction rules in property disputes, emphasizing the importance of assessed value in determining which court has authority.
Who Represents the People? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that only the Office of the Solicitor General may appeal criminal cases, not private complainants.