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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Navigating Ethical Boundaries When PRO Bono Legal Work Requires Prior Authorization
Jurisdictional Boundaries: Appealing Customs Decisions and Exhausting Administrative Remedies in Importation D
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why importers must appeal customs abandonment decisions to the Commissioner and CTA, not RTC.
Rape and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that rape is defined by lack of consent, not by the timing of physical force. A knife held during the act proves intimidation, and the death penalty was reduced to reclusio
Ombudsman's Discretion: Understanding the Limits of Judicial Review in Philippine Graft Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Ombudsman's discretionary power and the boundaries of judicial review in graft cases.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Examining the Limits of Police Use of Force in the Philippines
Philippine law allows police to use deadly force only as a last resort. This article explains the legal boundaries, justified homicide, and accountability.
Ex Officio Notarization: Defining the Boundaries for Municipal Court Judges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of municipal trial court judges' ex officio notarization powers under Circular No. I-90.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Employer Employee Damage Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor arbiters, not regular courts, have exclusive jurisdiction over employer damage claims arising from employment.
Defining the Boundaries of Rape: Penetration vs Attempt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape is consummated versus merely attempted, requiring proof of penile entry into the labia.
Tax Exemption Boundaries: PAGCOR Privileges and the Perils of Misrepresentation
Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR's tax exemption on importations does not automatically extend to concessionaires, and warns against fraudulent claims.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: The Boundaries of Justifiable Force
When does a person have the right to use force to defend oneself? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of self-defense in People v. Gaviola.
Sequestration vs. Attachment: Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts Over Corporate Assets
When a sequestered company faces a collection suit, which court prevails? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries between PCGG sequestration and RTC attachment.
Appeals From Ombudsman Decisions: Understanding Jurisdictional Boundaries
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies jurisdictional boundaries in appeals from Ombudsman decisions and related ill-gotten wealth cases.
Forum Shopping and Res Judicata: Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple cases over different properties constitutes forum shopping, and when it does not.
Official Immunity vs Individual Accountability: Limits of Protection in Defamation Cases
When does diplomatic or organizational immunity shield a person from criminal defamation? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries.
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Disputes: The Limits of COMELEC's Power
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the boundaries of COMELEC's authority in election contests, ensuring due process.
Franchise Boundaries: When NPC Can Supply Power Over Existing Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when NPC may directly supply power within areas covered by existing electric franchise holders.
Conspiracy and the Boundaries of Robbery: When Kidnapping Becomes a Separate Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when kidnapping during a robbery is a separate crime, not absorbed by the robbery.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Sheriffs: Solicitation and Misconduct Rules
Court sheriffs must avoid soliciting money from litigants. This case explains the ethical rules and consequences of misconduct.
Municipal Boundaries in the Philippines: Validating Creation and Resolving Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when a municipality's creation is valid, how boundary disputes are settled, and why a 1950 agreement could not override an executive order.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Employees: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
A court stenographer was fined for processing land titles for litigants. Learn the ethical rules for court personnel.
Trade Secrets vs Employee Rights Know Your Boundaries
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employer claims of trade secrets justify dismissal, and the limits of confidentiality policies.
Contempt of Court: Navigating the Boundaries of Respect and Legal Advocacy in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a motion for judicial inhibition crosses the line into direct contempt, and what lawyers and litigants should avoid.