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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Upholding Election Law Amendments Ensuring Fair And Transparent Elections
The Supreme Court upheld RA 9369's constitutionality, affirming Congress's power to amend election laws for transparency, credibility, fairness, and accuracy.
Legislative Inquiries vs Sub Judice: Balancing Congressional Power and Individual Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Romero v. Estrada on legislative inquiries, the sub judice rule, and witness rights.
Legislative Overreach Supreme Court Limits Congressional Power Over Agency Regulations
The Supreme Court upholds RA 9335 but strikes down legislative veto provisions, reaffirming separation of powers in administrative law.
Local Autonomy vs Congressional Prerogative: The Shariff Kabunsuan Case
The Supreme Court voids Shariff Kabunsuan's creation, ruling only Congress can create provinces and legislative districts.
Municipal Boundaries Law Prevails Over Inconsistent Interpretation
Supreme Court rules that a municipality's boundaries are fixed by its charter law, and only Congress may alter them.
When Can Government Revoke Tax Exemptions in Freeport Zones
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when Congress may withdraw tax exemptions granted to Subic Freeport locators, and limits on injunctions against tax collection.
Electoral Tribunals Exclusive Jurisdiction Challenging Congressional Elections After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between COMELEC's jurisdiction over election annulment and the exclusive authority of electoral tribunals over election contests.
Legislative Contempt Ends When Inquiry Ends: Roque v. House Quad Committee
Supreme Court clarifies that legislative contempt and detention orders lapse once the congressional inquiry terminates or Congress expires.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: Defining the Limits of Presidential Power
The Supreme Court struck down E.O. 464's blanket ban on executive officials appearing before Congress, clarifying the proper scope of executive privilege in legislative inquiries.
Executive Privilege in the Philippines: When Can the President Withhold Information? Ermita v. Senate Explaine
The Supreme Court's ruling in Ermita v. Senate defines the limits of executive privilege and Congress's power of inquiry in the Philippines.
HRET Jurisdiction Over Election Contests After a Congressman's Proclamation
Once a winning congressional candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET, not the COMELEC or Supreme Court, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: The Limits of COMELEC's Power in Unofficial Vote Tabulations
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC Resolution 6712 for usurping Congress' sole power to canvass presidential votes.
Tax Exemptions in Special Economic Zones: Limits on Presidential Power
Supreme Court rules President cannot grant tax exemptions in special economic zones—only Congress can, under the Constitution.
Safeguarding Suffrage: Residency and Congressional Oversight in Overseas Voting
The Supreme Court upholds overseas absentee voting law, clarifying residency rules, COMELEC's proclamation powers, and limits on congressional oversight.
Broadcasting Rights: The Indispensable Congressional Franchise for Radio and TV Operations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a congressional franchise is indispensable for operating radio and television stations, not just an NTC permit.
Death Penalty Moratorium: The Supreme Court's Stance on Legislative Influence and Execution
The Supreme Court rules that pending bills in Congress cannot justify staying death sentences, reaffirming the constitutionality of the death penalty.
Government Contracts Void When Bid Exceeds Congressional Appropriation
Supreme Court rules a winning bidder cannot compel a government agency to formalize a contract when the bid exceeds the amount appropriated by Congress.
When Prison Bars the Legislative Seat: Jalosjos and the Limits of Congressional Immunity
The Supreme Court ruled that a convicted congressman cannot claim parliamentary immunity to attend sessions while detained for a non-bailable offense.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: The Napolcom Commissioners Case
When Congress declared Napolcom commissioners' terms expired, the Supreme Court struck it down as a violation of security of tenure.
Philippine Oil Deregulation Upheld: Supreme Court Defers to Market Freedom and Congress
The Supreme Court upheld oil deregulation under RA 8479, ruling that price controls are policy choices for Congress, not constitutional requirements.
Redefining Guardian in Philippine Rape Law: Supreme Court Clarifies Scope and Penalty
The Supreme Court narrows the definition of in RA 7659 should be given a restrictive interpretation, referring to a legal or judicial guardian. While Congress did not explicitly qualify the term, the
Internal Rules of Congress and Law Validity: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that Congress's internal rules, when violated, do not invalidate laws, citing Arroyo v. De Venecia.
Philippine Coconut Authority Cannot Abandon Its Regulatory Power
Supreme Court rules PCA cannot deregulate coconut processing industry by resolution, as only Congress can dismantle statutory regulation.
Presidential Power vs Legislative Authority: Proclamation Validity in the Philippines
Supreme Court nullifies Proclamation No. 164 for exceeding presidential power after Congress convened, reaffirming separation of powers.