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.
Upholding Employer Authority: Willful Disobedience and Seafarer Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on willful disobedience as valid cause for seafarer dismissal, with due process indemnity explained.
Ombudsman's Power to Discipline: Not Merely Recommendatory Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority over public officials is direct and enforceable, not merely recommendatory.
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.
Taxing Government Instrumentalities: Real Property Tax and Public Dominion Rules
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority case clarifies when government instrumentalities pay real property tax and why public ports cannot be sold.
Presidential Authority and Government Reorganization Scope and Limitations
The Supreme Court affirms the President's broad power to reorganize executive departments, citing constitutional control, statutory grants, and good faith requirements.
Ombudsman's Independence: Defining CSC's Authority Over Internal Appointments
Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's power to set qualification standards for its own personnel, limiting CSC's role.
Unauthorized Real Estate Mortgage: Strict Interpretation of Special Power of Attorney
When a special power of attorney fails to identify the exact property, a mortgage over it is unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains why banks must verify authority.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Disguised Transactions
The Supreme Court nullifies a bank's foreclosure on property mortgaged without the owner's authority, reinforcing strict rules on special powers of attorney.
Universal Charge Under EPIRA: Police Power, Not Taxation, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld the EPIRA's Universal Charge as a valid police power exaction, not a tax, and found no undue delegation of legislative authority.
Universal Charge Under EPIRA: Balancing Regulatory Power and Consumer Protection
The Supreme Court upheld the EPIRA universal charge as a valid police power exaction, not a tax, and affirmed ERC's delegated authority.
Void Judgments Create No Rights: The Borres Heirs Case
A judge who decides after retirement acts without authority. His decision is void ab initio and can never become final or create rights.
Sheriffs Authority Limits On Enforcing Barangay Settlements
When can sheriffs enforce a barangay amicable settlement? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of sheriff authority in Solway v. Pascasio.
Exclusive Franchises and Constitutional Limits: Water District Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled Section 47 of PD 198 unconstitutional, striking down exclusive water district franchises as contrary to the Constitution.
Upholding Court Authority Consequences FOR Attorneys Failing TO Comply With Directives
Authority TO File When CAN A State Prosecutor ACT Without City Prosecutor Approval
COMELEC’s Decisive Power: Ensuring Fair Elections Beyond Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s broad authority to act decisively on election irregularities, prioritizing credible elections over procedural technicalities.
Notarial Wills and Territorial Limits on Notary Public Authority
A will acknowledged before a notary acting outside his commission is void. Learn the territorial limits rule from Guerrero v. Bihis.
Authority to Prosecute: The Necessity of Proper Authorization in Filing Criminal Informations
A state prosecutor without proper written authority cannot validly file criminal charges. Learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Turingan v. Garfin.
When Jurisdiction Attaches: The Ombudsman vs. DECS in Public School Teacher Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies which agency has jurisdiction over administrative cases against public school teachers, explaining the limits of the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority.
Incestuous Rape: Credibility of the Victim and the Weight of Parental Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape explains why a child's testimony against a father deserves greater weight and credibility.
Ombudsman's Power to Preventively Suspend: Due Process in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court upheld the Ombudsman's authority to preventively suspend public officials, clarifying that such suspension is not a penalty and does not violate due process.
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.
Buy-Bust Operations: Chain of Custody and Legal Authority in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies rules on buy-bust operations, drug testing, and proving lack of authority to sell shabu.
Local Government Authority and Ordinance Enforcement: A Guide for Businesses
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a city mayor's duty to enforce local ordinances, and what this means for businesses operating under reclassified zones.