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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Gross Negligence and Disqualification: Defining the Limits of COMELEC's Authority
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to perpetually bar grossly negligent canvassers in Beluso v. COMELEC.
Land Reclassification vs Conversion: DAR's Authority Over Agricultural Land Use
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclassified agricultural lands still need DAR conversion approval, distinguishing reclassification from conversion.
Land Reclassification vs Conversion: Clarifying DAR's Authority Over Agricultural Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclassified agricultural lands still need DAR conversion approval, distinguishing reclassification from conversion.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Redefining Agency Functions and Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court upholds the President's power to reorganize executive agencies, clarifying limits on security of tenure claims.
Agency and Authority: Why a Written Mandate Is Paramount in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Authority to Sue Corporations Must Prove Representation in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that corporate plaintiffs must prove their representative's authority to sue, or risk dismissal of their case.
Agrarian Reform: DAR's Authority in Beneficiary Selection Prevails Over DARAB Adjudication
Supreme Court clarifies that identifying and selecting CARP farmer-beneficiaries is an exclusive administrative function of the DAR Secretary, not the DARAB.
Reassignment and RATA: When Government Employees Keep Their Allowance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reassigned local government employee may continue receiving RATA, balancing administrative authority with employee rights.
Parental Authority vs Incest: Upholding Conviction in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of father, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and resistance in incestuous rape.
Disbarment for Attorney Misconduct: Court Personnel Extortion and Abuse of Authority
Court personnel extorting litigants face severe penalties. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on gross misconduct, bribery, and abuse of authority.
Status Quo Orders in Election Protests: COMELEC’s Power to Enjoin Execution Pending Appeal
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed COMELEC’s authority to maintain status quo and stop execution pending appeal in election protests.
Excise Tax Refunds: Proving Authority to Operate and the Proper Claimant
A foreign airline's failed excise tax refund claim shows why evidence rules matter and why only statutory taxpayers may seek refunds.
Electoral Integrity: COMELEC Division Authority and Ballot Preservation in Election Protests
A 2010 Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC division jurisdiction, ballot integrity, and the proper conduct of election protests.
Separation of Powers: Court Upholds Its Authority Over Sequestered SMC Shares
The Supreme Court reaffirms the separation of powers doctrine in denying reconsideration of its ruling allowing the conversion of sequestered SMC shares.
Balancing Indigenous Land Rights and Government Authority: Clarifying the Scope of NCIP Injunction Powers
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP may issue injunctions in ancestral land disputes, balancing indigenous rights against government authority.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without A License Hlurb Authority AND Criminal Liability Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime, and a later license does not erase liability.
Liquidator’s Fees: SEC Authority to Fix Compensation in Corporate Liquidation
Supreme Court clarifies SEC’s power to determine liquidator’s fees when parties fail to agree, in Catmon Sales v. Yngson.
Advertising Rights vs Public Authority: MMDA's Power Over MRT3 Advertisements
Supreme Court ruling on whether MMDA could dismantle billboards on MRT3, a private property under a build-lease-transfer agreement.
Upholding Judicial Independence: The Limits of CSC Authority Over Court Personnel
Supreme Court affirms only it can discipline court personnel, even in civil service exam anomalies.
Revocation OF Authority Comelecs Power Over Delegated Election Offense Prosecution
COMELEC Contempt Power Upholds Investigative Authority for Fair Elections
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to punish contempt during fact-finding investigations, reinforcing its constitutional mandate to ensure honest elections.
Contempt of the COMELEC: The Scope of Its Quasi-Judicial Power Explained
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to cite for contempt even when acting through fact-finding task forces, clarifying the scope of its quasi-judicial authority.
Insubordination vs Humane Consideration: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on St. Luke's Medical Center v. Fadrigo clarifies when insubordination and loss of confidence justify dismissal.
Liberty vs Military Authority: Balancing Rights in the Philippine Armed Forces
Supreme Court ruling on a general's preventive suspension and arrest, clarifying due process and injunctive relief in military discipline cases.