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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Online Lending Platform Registration in the Philippines: SEC Rules for Lending Companies
Online lending platform registration in the Philippines requires SEC authority to operate. Learn the corporate, capital, and citizenship rules under RA 9474.
VASP License Philippines Requirements: How to Get a BSP Certificate of Authority
VASP license Philippines requirements explained: secure a BSP Certificate of Authority as a money service business, meet capital rules, and comply with Circular 1108.
Recruitment Agency Branch License in the Philippines: DMW Rules for Branches and Extension Offices
A recruitment agency branch license in the Philippines requires separate DMW authority before operating outside your registered address. Here is how it works.
BIR Letter of Authority Audit Defense in the Philippines: Know Your Rights
Received a BIR Letter of Authority? Learn how a BIR audit works, what records you must keep, and how to respond when revenue officers examine your books.
BIR Letter of Authority Audit in the Philippines: Your Rights and First 30 Days
Received a BIR Letter of Authority? Learn your rights, the Single-Instance Audit Framework, and the steps to take in the first 30 days of a tax audit.
How to Register a Lending Company in the Philippines with the SEC
Learn how to register a lending company in the Philippines with the SEC under RA 9474 — capital, citizenship, and authority to operate requirements.
Boundary Disputes and Local Government Authority: Caloocan v. Malabon
Supreme Court clarifies that boundary disputes between LGUs must first go through sanggunian settlement before courts can intervene.
Judicial Acts During Suspension: Balancing Authority and Protecting Litigant Rights
The Supreme Court validates decisions of a suspended judge under the de facto officer and operative fact doctrines, protecting good-faith litigants.
LRT Concession Supreme Court Upholds Government Authority AND DUE Process IN Public Private Partnerships
The Supreme Court upholds the LRT 1 concession agreement, affirming government authority and due process in public-private partnerships.
Sheriff’s Abuse of Authority: Protecting Your Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn the limits of a sheriff’s authority under Rule 39 and how the Supreme Court protects property rights in Ignacio v. Balading.
DOJ Authority Over Preliminary Investigations: What It Means for Criminal Procedure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court recognizes the DOJ's authority to issue its own rules on preliminary investigations and repeals inconsistent provisions of Rule 112.
Navigating GOCC Compensation: Board Authority and Disallowed Benefits in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PNCC directors' gratuity benefits, GOCC status, and when disallowed compensation must be returned.
When Judges Overstep Authority: Due Process in Execution Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies judicial authority in execution proceedings, dismissing administrative charges against a judge while reminding litigants of proper remedies.
Court Sheriff Misconduct Handling Funds and Abuse of Authority: A.M. No. P-23-111
Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for simple and gross misconduct for receiving and misappropriating litigant funds without judicial approval.
Extortion Under the Color of Authority: Understanding Simple Robbery in the Philippines
When court employees demand money to perform official duties, they commit simple robbery. The Supreme Court explains why in Peralta v. People.
Letter of Authority vs. Letter Notice: When a BIR Tax Assessment Is Void
The Supreme Court ruled that a BIR Letter Notice cannot substitute for a Letter of Authority—assessments without a valid LOA are void.
When Sheriffs Cross the Line: Illegal Exaction, Neglect of Duty, and Administrative Liability
A sheriff who directly collects fees without court approval and releases seized property without authority faces administrative liability, as the Supreme Court recently ruled.
PCGG Sequestration Powers: High Court Safeguards Property Owners Against Abuse in Ill-Gotten Wealth Recovery
The Supreme Court ruled that PCGG sequestration requires proper authority and cannot cover property acquired before Marcos's presidency.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure in the Philippines: Why a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a general foreclosure clause is not enough—mortgagees need express authority to sell property extrajudicially.
Mandamus Denied: Court Upholds Comelec Authority Over Election Technology Rules
Supreme Court dismisses petition to compel Comelec to issue election automation rules, citing procedural defects and lack of standing.
Concurrent Jurisdiction: PEMC Authority to Investigate WESM Rule Breaches
Supreme Court affirms PEMC's concurrent power with ERC to investigate and sanction WESM rule breaches by market participants.
Concurrent Authority Investigating Energy Market Breaches in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that PEMC and ERC share concurrent power to investigate WESM rule breaches, resolving a jurisdictional dispute.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Supreme Court Clarifies
The Supreme Court nullified a writ of possession in an NGCP expropriation case, ruling that trial courts must first determine the expropriator's authority before issuing the writ.
Social Media Conduct of Lawyers: Maintaining Decorum and Respect for the LGBTQIA+ Community
The Supreme Court reprimanded five lawyers for homophobic Facebook posts, ruling that social media conduct falls within disciplinary authority.