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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Reconstitution of Lost Title: SC Clarifies Rules on Proof and Evidence
SC reinstates reconstitution of lost TCT, clarifying evidence rules under RA 26 and the Bercede guidelines.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reconstitute lost land titles under RA 26, easing rigid evidence standards after disasters.
Dinagat Islands Case: Supreme Court on Province Creation Requirements
The Supreme Court's Dinagat Islands ruling clarifies the constitutional and statutory requirements for creating a new province in the Philippines.
Exclusive Franchises and Public Utilities: Constitutional Limits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down Section 47 of PD 198 as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exclusive franchises for public utilities are prohibited by the Constitution.
Punctuality in Public Service: Sanctions for Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court reiterates that habitual tardiness violates the constitutional canon that public office is a public trust, imposing suspensions and reprimands on erring employees.
PAGCOR's Evolving Tax Status: Navigating Exemptions and Constitutional Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability under RA 9337—subject to income tax but exempt from VAT.
Impeachment and the Dual Requirements of Filing and Referral in Philippine Law
Explains the Supreme Court's ruling on the two distinct requirements for a valid impeachment complaint under the Constitution.
Cityhood Laws and Equal Protection: The League of Cities Doctrine
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of 16 cityhood laws, ruling that Congress validly exempted certain municipalities from higher income requirements.
Reconstitution OF Land Titles Overcoming Insufficient Evidence AND Lost Documents
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Ownership Through Deeds and Documents
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lost land title may be reconstituted from a deed of transfer, and what evidence suffices.
HRET Jurisdiction Over Party List Nominees Ensuring Constitutional Qualifications for House Membership
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC jurisdiction over party-list nominee qualifications and the continuing residency requirement for elective office.
Presidential Electoral Tribunal: Constitutionality and Powers Explained
Understand the PET's constitutional basis, its powers as sole judge of presidential election contests, and what Macalintal v. PET means for Philippine election law.
Perjury Complaints and the DOJ Secretary's Discretion in Preliminary Investigations
Explains when the DOJ may dismiss a perjury complaint appeal and why constitutional due process rules for courts do not bind prosecutors.
Anti-Terrorism Act: Balancing National Security and Constitutional Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld the Human Security Act but set strict rules on who can challenge anti-terrorism laws in court.
Retail Trade Liberalization: Balancing Economic Growth and Filipino Control
The Supreme Court upheld the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000, ruling that the Constitution does not mandate a Filipino monopoly over the economy.
Eyewitness Identification VS Constitutional Rights Safeguarding Fair Trials IN Criminal Cases
Cityhood Laws and the Constitutional Criteria for Creating Philippine Cities
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement that city creation follow Local Government Code criteria.
Judicial Accountability: Delays in Case Resolution and the 90-Day Rule
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in resolving cases, reinforcing the constitutional 90-day rule for deciding motions and cases.
Upholding Search Warrant Validity Balancing Individual Rights AND LAW Enforcement IN Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms valid search warrant in drug case, balancing constitutional rights and law enforcement needs.
Federation Employee Eligibility Navigating Union Governance AND Election Rules
Supreme Court ruling on federation employees running for union office, election jurisdiction, and the binding force of constitutions.
Right to Information vs Confidentiality in Professional Exams: Antolin v. Domondon
The Supreme Court balances the constitutional right to information against confidentiality rules for professional licensure exams in Antolin v. Domondon.
Island Provinces and the Constitution: The Dinagat Islands Creation Case
The Supreme Court struck down Republic Act No. 9355 creating Dinagat Islands province for failing population and land area requirements under the Local Government Code.
Midnight Appointments and the Judiciary: The De Castro Ruling on the Constitutional Ban
The Supreme Court explains why the ban on midnight appointments does not apply to judicial posts, including the Chief Justice.
When a Constitutional Question Is Ripe for Court Intervention: Defining Judicial Review Limits
Philippine Savings Bank v. Geronimo clarifies the ripeness doctrine and the burden of proving compliance with publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosures.