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.
The Limits of Parental Authority: Rape and Incest in the Philippines
A father's rape conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove the victim's age beyond reasonable doubt.
Abuse OF Authority A Court Employees Unauthorized Exclusion OF A Case From THE Calendar
Release of Seized Evidence Before Trial: Upholding Prosecutorial Authority and Due Process
A judge's order releasing seized evidence before trial drew administrative sanctions. Learn the rules on custody of evidence and prosecutorial control.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Judicial Authority and Preliminary Investigations: Balancing Power and Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that municipal trial court judges may conduct preliminary investigations, and errors in judgment alone do not warrant administrative liability.
Upholding Regulatory Authority: Provisional Authorities and Non-Exclusivity in Telecom Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NTC's power to grant provisional authorities and the non-exclusive nature of telecom franchises.
Upholding University Authority When an Investigation Committee Can Be Challenged
Supreme Court ruling on when university investigation committees can be challenged, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and due process.
Incestuous Rape Parental Authority VS Childs Right TO Protection AND THE Imposition OF THE Death Penalty
Presidential Authority to Reorganize Government Agencies: Balancing Efficiency and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains when the President may validly reorganize executive agencies and what protections employees retain during streamlining.
PCGG Authority Over Military Officers and the Limits of Revolutionary Power
Supreme Court ruling on PCGG jurisdiction over military officers, forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth, and the limits of revolutionary power.
Navigating COMELEC's Authority: Division vs. En Banc in Pre-Proclamation Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COMELEC's division vs. en banc authority in pre-proclamation cases, citing Milla v. Balmores-Laxa.
Tax Exemptions for Government Corporations: The Philippine Ports Authority Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations like the PPA must pay local taxes, and when they cannot change legal theories on appeal.
Electoral Protests: COMELEC's Power to Correct Errors and the Essence of Due Process
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COMELEC's authority to correct canvass errors and what due process truly requires in election cases.
Loss of Appeal: The Duty to Submit to Court Jurisdiction
When an accused appeals a conviction but refuses to surrender to court authority, the appeal may be dismissed for abandonment.
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Corporate Officers' Apparent Authority and Breach of Warranties in Stock Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate president's apparent authority to bind company and breach of warranty claims in stock purchase agreements.
Judicial Overreach: The Limits of Preliminary Investigation in Election Offenses
When a judge conducted preliminary investigation on an election offense, the Supreme Court ruled this exceeds judicial authority and constitutes gross ignorance of the law.
PCGG's Authority to Vote Sequestered Shares: Lessons from the ETPI Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the PCGG may vote sequestered shares, balancing state interest and stockholder rights.
Parental Authority and Child Abuse: Defining the Limits of Incestuous Rape
In incestuous rape cases, the victim's minority and relationship to the offender must be proven beyond reasonable doubt for the death penalty to apply.
Judicial Misconduct When Notarization Exceeds A Judges Authority
Judicial Accountability When Judges Notarize Outside Their Authority
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the power to notarize ex officio is narrow, and that notarizing a document without the affiant present is a serious breach.
Judicial Overreach Limits MCTC Authority in Libel Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that only specific courts may conduct preliminary investigations in libel cases under Article 360.
Judicial Independence VS Ombudsmans Authority Protecting Labor Arbiters From Unwarranted Criminal Prosecution
The Perils of Premature Enforcement: Upholding Jurisdictional Boundaries in Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when execution pending appeal is proper, who decides if an appeal is dilatory, and the limits of trial court authority.