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.
Elections Held Despite a TRO Are Not Automatically Void: Supreme Court Clarifies
The Supreme Court explains when an election held in defiance of a temporary restraining order may be annulled, and when it may stand.
Habeas Corpus and Deportation: When Courts Overstep Immigration Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on when courts may not interfere with Bureau of Immigration deportation orders through habeas corpus petitions.
Habeas Corpus and Contempt: When a Judge's Power to Detain Goes Too Far
The Supreme Court reminds judges that contempt powers are drastic and extraordinary, and that habeas corpus protects liberty against judicial overreach.
Right of Pre-emption for Adjoining Landowners in the Philippines: A Guide
Learn how Article 1622 protects adjoining landowners of small urban lots, explained through the Supreme Court case Contreras v. Alcantara.
Timber License vs Contract: DENR Authority Over Forest Resources
Supreme Court ruling on whether a timber license agreement and presidential warranty create vested rights against DENR's regulatory authority over forest resources.
Mootness in Philippine Courts: Understanding Case Dismissal and Justiciable Controversy
Learn how Philippine courts handle moot cases, the justiciable controversy requirement, and what Easycall v. King teaches about jurisdiction.
When Budget Cuts Threaten a Region: The Cordillera Administrative Region Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on the 2000 GAA provision that limited the Cordillera Administrative Region's budget to winding up operations.
Supplemental Complaints Upholding Justice AND Efficiency IN Legal Proceedings
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial authority in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.
When a Judge Goes Too Far: Territorial Limits on Philippine Court Proceedings
A judge held liable for conducting court proceedings in the US without authority, explaining the territorial limits of Philippine courts.
Indispensable Parties in Property Disputes: Why Complete Adjudication Matters
The Supreme Court explains why all indispensable parties must be joined in property cases, or the entire case fails.
Judicial Independence vs Executive Discretion in Criminal Prosecution: The Santos v. Orda Ruling
When may a court grant a prosecutor's motion to withdraw an information? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial deference to the DOJ.
Safeguarding Impeachment Limits THE Supreme Court Upholds Constitutional Integrity Against Legislative Overrea
The Supreme Court rules on the one-year bar on impeachment, affirming judicial review over constitutional limits.
Upholding Electoral Integrity: COMELEC's Power to Correct Manifest Errors
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's authority to correct manifest errors in vote tabulation, prioritizing the people's will over technical objections.
Forum Shopping and Mining Rights: Lessons from the Lepanto-WMC Dispute
The Supreme Court clarifies when overlapping claims before courts and administrative agencies constitute forum shopping in mining disputes.
Proportional Representation in Electoral Tribunals: The Pimentel Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on proportional representation of party-list groups in the HRET and Commission on Appointments.
Reviving Expired Judgments in the Philippines: The Terry Case and Contempt Limits
Learn when Philippine judgments expire, how to revive them, and why contempt cannot enforce stale court orders under the Terry ruling.
Injunctions and Property Rights: Safeguarding Possession in Philippine Law
Philippine law protects possession through injunctions and property rights. This article explains how courts balance these interests.
Sequestration vs Lis Pendens: When a Notice Fails and Titles Get Cleared
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on void PCGG sequestration notices and how property titles can be cleared when requirements are not met.
Article 125 and the Proper Judicial Authority: Filing Before the MTC Stops the Detention Clock
Filing a complaint with the MTC counts as delivering a detainee to the proper judicial authority under Article 125, even without trial jurisdiction.
Habeas Corpus in the Philippines: Understanding Its Limits and Proper Use in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in criminal cases, using a 1999 death penalty ruling as guide.
Separation of Powers: Why Courts Stay Out of Senate Leadership Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why it dismissed a quo warranto petition challenging the Senate minority leader's selection, citing separation of powers.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Assessment of Justice Secretary's Resolutions in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trial courts' duty to independently assess Justice Secretary's resolutions in withdrawal of criminal informations.
PCGG Sequestration Orders: Due Process and Valid Authority Requirements
The Supreme Court rules that PCGG sequestration orders require at least two Commissioners and a prima facie showing, protecting due process rights.