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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Water Rights AND Regulatory Authority Upholding Nwrbs Power TO Deny Water Permits FOR Code Violations
Corporate President’s Authority to Sign Forum-Shopping Certifications
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate president can sign verifications and forum-shopping certifications without a board resolution.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment: Promising Overseas Jobs Without Authority Is a Crime
The Supreme Court explains when promising overseas jobs without lawful authority constitutes large scale illegal recruitment under Philippine law.
When Can a Sheriff Accept a Voluntary Surrender? Scope of Authority Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs cannot accept an accused's voluntary surrender without a court order, ruling it simple misconduct.
Navigating Compensation in GOCCs: PCSO COLA Disallowance and the Limits of Board Authority
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of PCSO's cost of living allowance, clarifying limits on GOCC board authority over compensation.
CIBAC Party-List Dispute: Resolving Authority Over Nominees and Electoral Contest Jurisdiction
Supreme Court settles who may validly nominate party-list representatives and clarifies when the HRET, not COMELEC, has jurisdiction over election contests.
Standing to Sue: The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
Who may appeal a dismissed criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the Solicitor General's exclusive authority and the limits on private prosecutors.
Supreme Court Upholds ERC's Power to Set Electric Cooperative Capital Contribution Charges
SC dismisses challenge to MCC/RFSC charges by electric cooperatives, affirming ERC's rate-setting authority under EPIRA.
Mining Rights: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and the DENR Secretary's Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can review mining disputes, the DENR Secretary's administrative powers, and the need to exhaust remedies.
Mining Rights: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and DENR Secretary Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that DENR Secretary's approval of mining agreements is administrative, not quasi-judicial, requiring exhaustion of administrative remedies.
BSP Can Use Private Counsel: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction and Representation Rules
Supreme Court rules on BSP's authority to engage private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property disputes.
BSP Authority to Engage Private Counsel and Jurisdiction in Legal Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies BSP's power to hire private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property cases involving assessed value.
Upholding Justice for Child Victims: Parental Authority and the Crime of Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for qualified rape of his minor daughter, clarifying evidentiary rules and penalties.
Clerk of Court Notarial Authority: Limits on Ex-Officio Powers in Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies clerks of court cannot notarize appeal pleadings; improper verification warrants dismissal of petition for review.
Clerk of Court Notarial Authority: Scope and Limits in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court may notarize only matters related to their official functions, not private pleadings.
Upholding Land Title Integrity: State Authority Over Public Domain Prevails
Supreme Court remands land title cancellation case, ruling procedural lapses by the OSG should not bar the State from recovering allegedly fraudulent titles.
COMELEC Authority Over Election Officers and Execution Pending Appeal Rules
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC's supervisory power over election officers and when courts lose jurisdiction to order execution pending appeal.
Golf Courses and Amusement Tax: When Local Tax Power Exceeds Its Boundaries
The Supreme Court nullifies Cebu City's amusement tax on golf courses, ruling it exceeds the Local Government Code's grant of taxing authority.
Open Space Preservation: HLURB Authority Over Subdivision Mortgage Disputes
When a developer mortgages a subdivision's designated open space, homeowners can seek annulment before the HLURB, not just the courts.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Disbarred FOR Unauthorized Compromise AND Misappropriation OF Funds
A lawyer who compromised a client's case without authority and misused funds for docket fees was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
Can a University Be Bound by Unauthorized Mortgages? Corporate Authority Explained
When can a corporation be bound by an officer's unauthorized acts? The Supreme Court explains in University of Mindanao v. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Unveiling Corporate Authority When Contracts Exceed Presidential Power
Assignment of Mortgage and BSP’s Foreclosure Authority Hinges on Valid Deed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may foreclose a mortgage assigned to it, requiring a valid deed of assignment.
Limits of a General Power of Attorney Authority to Sell Real Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a general power of attorney does not authorize an agent to sell real property without a special power of attorney.