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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Clerk of Court Authority: The Fine Line Between Administration and Judicial Overreach
A clerk of court added a phrase to a writ beyond the judge's order. The Supreme Court explains why that was judicial overreach.
R.A. 8532 Extends DAR Authority to Issue Notices of Coverage Beyond 1998
The Supreme Court clarifies that R.A. 8532 extended the DAR's authority to issue Notices of Coverage beyond the original 10-year CARP period.
Intra-Corporate Disputes as Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When an intra-corporate dispute over officer authority can suspend criminal estafa proceedings, explained through a 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
Prejudicial Question and Corporate Authority: When Estafa Proceedings May Be Suspended
Explains when a prejudicial question suspends estafa proceedings, focusing on corporate authority and demand validity under Philippine law.
Tañon Strait Case: Presidential Authority and Protecting Philippine Waters
The Supreme Court's Tañon Strait ruling clarifies presidential authority over service contracts and environmental protection in Philippine waters.
Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Supreme Court Upholds JBC’s Power to Set Qualifications for Judges
The Supreme Court affirms the JBC’s authority to impose a five-year service requirement for judges seeking promotion to higher courts.
Tobacco Sales Promotions: Who Regulates Them After RA 9211?
The Supreme Court rules that the IAC-Tobacco, not the DOH, has exclusive authority to regulate tobacco sales promotions under RA 9211.
Upholding Court Authority Disregarding Orders Constitutes Contempt
The Supreme Court affirms that a party disregarding court orders and delaying proceedings may face dismissal of its case and liability for damages.
Ombudsman’s Disciplinary Authority Over Public Officials Affirmed by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman’s power to directly impose administrative penalties, not just recommend them, on erring public officials.
Limits on Notarial Powers: Balancing Public Service and Official Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies when clerks of court may act as ex officio notaries and when they overstep their authority.
Parental Authority vs Child's Rights: Defining Intimidation in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court clarifies intimidation in incestuous qualified rape, affirming father's conviction for three counts against minor daughter.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Procedural Integrity AND Avoiding Abuse OF Authority
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on chain of custody in drug cases and why procedural integrity matters for sheriffs and law enforcement.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Upholds Disciplinary Action Against Lawyers
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years and permanently bars him from notarial commission for notarizing documents without authority.
Insubordination in the Public Sector: Defining the Limits of Obedience to Authority
Court rules on insubordination, dishonesty, and falsification in a landmark public sector administrative case.
Corporate Authority VS Stockholder Rights Upholding Property Sale Ratification IN Lopez Realty
Government Reorganization: Security of Tenure vs Legislative Authority
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on ATO abolition, hold-over status, and security of tenure in government reorganizations.
Dismissal for Grave Misconduct: Court Personnel Who Usurp Authority and Exact Illegal Fees
Supreme Court dismisses court interpreter for grave misconduct—usurping judicial functions and illegally exacting fees from lawyers and litigants.
Sheriff's Overreach in Writ Enforcement: A Lesson from Quicho v. Reyes
When a sheriff oversteps in enforcing a writ, courts will hold him accountable. Learn the limits of execution authority.
Judicial Accountability: Supreme Court Sanctions Judge for Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court holds judge liable for grave abuse of authority, misconduct, and insubordination despite his resignation, affirming judicial accountability.
Customs Authority Prevails Jurisdiction Over Goods IN THE Subic Freeport Zone
Supreme Court affirms Bureau of Customs' exclusive jurisdiction over seizure cases in the Subic Freeport Zone.
Estate Sales and Court Authority: When Approved Transactions Stand Despite Later Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when court-approved estate sales remain valid despite later disputes over administrator appointments and injunctions.
SEC Authority Over Pre-Need Plan Sales: Due Process and Cease and Desist Orders
The Supreme Court upheld the SEC's power to issue cease and desist orders against unregistered pre-need plan sales without a prior hearing in Primanila Plans v. SEC.
Ministerial Duty and Abuse of Authority: Understanding the Writ of Possession and Judicial Misconduct
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a writ of possession is ministerial, and when a judge's discretion becomes grave abuse of authority.