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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Authority to Sell: Bank Receivership and Corporate Deals During Receivership
When a bank is under receivership, its officers lose power over assets. Only the receiver may administer—not sell—bank property.
Correcting Election Returns: The Presidential Electoral Tribunal's Authority to Rectify Manifest Errors
The PET may correct manifest errors in election returns and certificates of canvass as part of its constitutional mandate to judge election contests.
PPA Rate Increases and Due Process: What Shipping Lines Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when notice and hearing are required for port rate increases by the Philippine Ports Authority.
Conflicting Land Titles: DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of CLOA-Based Titles
When land titles conflict, knowing which court has jurisdiction is crucial. The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's exclusive authority over CLOA-derived titles.
Church Authority vs Civil Courts: Defining the Boundaries of Religious Freedom in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules civil courts cannot interfere in church expulsions, upholding religious freedom and ecclesiastical autonomy.
Upholding Public Trust: A Sheriff’s Liability for Unauthorized Foreclosure Sales
A sheriff who conducted foreclosure sales outside court authority was suspended for six months for breaching public trust in the judiciary.
Local Government vs National Authority Defining Cable TV Franchising Powers
Supreme Court clarifies that only the NTC may grant cable TV franchises; local governments cannot exceed their regulatory powers.
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.
Judicial Overreach: Defining the Boundaries of Supervisory Authority in Philippine Courts
A court clerk's unauthorized receipt of money leads to suspension, clarifying the limits of authority and accountability in the judiciary.
Judicial Overreach Limits on Notarial Authority of Judges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies limits on judges' notarial authority under Circular No. 1-90, penalizing unauthorized notarization of private documents.
Notarial Misconduct Upholding Public Trust in Legal Documentation
A notary who acts outside her commission undermines public trust. The Court fined a lawyer P10,000 for notarizing documents in Bayombong without authority.
Habeas Corpus Custody: When a Judge's Provisional Custody Order Is Not Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's provisional custody order in habeas corpus cases constitutes abuse of authority or gross ignorance of law.
MTRCB Review Power Over TV Programs: The Inside Story Ruling on Freedom of Expression
Supreme Court affirms MTRCB authority to review all television programs, including public affairs shows, citing the Iglesia ni Cristo doctrine.
When Promises Corrupt Justice: Ethical Boundaries for Court Sheriffs in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' ethical duties, corruption, and the consequences of overstepping authority in court proceedings.
Labor Secretarys Authority Reinstatement Orders AND THE Scope OF Labor Disputes
Judicial Overreach When A Judge Exceeds Authority AND Violates DUE Process
Airport Fee Hikes Require Notice and Public Hearing: MIAA Rate Increases Void
Supreme Court nullifies MIAA fee increases for lack of notice and public hearing, affirming the DOTC Secretary's authority over rate revisions.
Dismissal of Complaint: Balancing Promptness and the Pursuit of Justice in Philippine Courts
When can a court dismiss a complaint for lack of authority and improper certification? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on real parties-in-interest and appeal remedies.
Upholding Disciplinary Authority: Administrative Dismissal Despite Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court affirms that a government agency's disciplinary authority prevails over procedural technicalities in administrative dismissal cases.
When Judges Cannot Notarize Documents: Limits on Notarial Authority and Admissibility in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies when judges may notarize documents, why invalid notarization affects admissibility, and what makes a deed private.
When Real Estate Disputes Belong in Regular Courts, Not HLURB
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lot sale dispute falls under regular court jurisdiction rather than HLURB's exclusive authority.
Corporate Authority and Timely Filing: Navigating Court Procedures in Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authorization and filing deadlines in land dispute appeals.
Forum Shopping Certification and Timely Appeals: Pascual and Santos v. Tramo Wakas
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority to sign non-forum shopping certifications and timely filing of appeals by registered mail.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: All Petitioners Must Sign or Show Authority
Philippine Valve v. NLRC clarifies that every petitioner must sign the certification of non-forum shopping, or prove authority to sign for others.