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.
When Judges May Conduct Preliminary Investigation and Issue Warrants: Lessons from Lumbos v. Baliguat
A judge's authority to conduct preliminary investigation and issue warrants, explained through an administrative case dismissed for good faith.
Mayor's Personal Deposit of Municipal Checks: Official Misconduct and Probable Cause
Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor's deposit of municipal checks into a personal account constitutes probable cause for graft under RA 3019.
Navigating Corporate Disputes Jurisdiction AND Procedural Pitfalls IN Philippine LAW
Learn how Philippine courts handle jurisdiction and procedural errors in corporate disputes, with key takeaways from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Substantial Justice Prevails When Philippine Courts Relax Procedural Rules IN Labor Disputes
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules to achieve substantial justice, as shown in this administrative case against a judge.
Extrinsic Fraud and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Due Process in Civil Actions
When a suit excludes an indispensable party, the judgment may be void. Learn the Rule 47 remedy of annulment for extrinsic fraud.
Attorney Suspended for Failing to Account for Client Funds Withdrawn from Court
Lawyer suspended two years for withdrawing P255,000 in client rentals without accounting, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Common Carrier Liability in the Philippines: Breach of Contract of Carriage Explained
Philippine common carriers face a presumption of negligence when passengers are injured or killed. Learn the rules and how to rebut them.
The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law: Abad v. Co Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood rule in Abad v. Co, ensuring voter intent prevails over technical ballot errors.
Motion for Reconsideration and Election Protests: The CCP Board Case
The Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of filling vacancies in the CCP Board and the limits of the President's appointing power.
Proving Causation in Delayed Illness Claims: Philippine Employee Compensation Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide employee compensation claims when illness or death occurs years after employment ends, and what proof is required.
Philippine CHR Fiscal Autonomy: Why Budget Independence Doesnt Mean Unchecked Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy for constitutional bodies like the CHR does not grant unlimited, unchecked power over public funds.
Behest Loans and the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Refuse to Intervene
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges against DBP officials, underscoring the wide discretion given to the Ombudsman in determining probable cause.
Land Registration in the Philippines: The Critical Role of Publication
Why publication in the Official Gazette is a non-negotiable jurisdictional requirement in Philippine land registration and cadastral cases.
Quieting Title and Due Process: Notice of Raffle and Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction
Learn how notice of raffle and voluntary appearance affect jurisdiction in quieting title cases, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Donations to Unregistered Organizations in the Philippines: When Are They Valid?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on donations to unregistered organizations: why juridical personality matters and what donors and groups must know.
Change of Name Petitions: Substantial Compliance with Jurisdictional Requirements
Supreme Court rules on change of name petitions, publication requirements, and jurisdictional compliance under Rule 103.
SEC Cease and Desist Orders: When Regulatory Action Violates Due Process
The Supreme Court ruled the SEC acted with grave abuse of discretion by issuing a cease and desist order without proper investigation.
Morality vs Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Public Service Decorum
The Supreme Court clarifies when private immorality becomes administrative misconduct, and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Lessor Liability for Lease Violations: Trespass in Fact vs Trespass in Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor is liable for third-party disturbances of a lessee's possession, distinguishing trespass in fact from trespass in law.
When Certiorari Cannot Replace a Lost Appeal: Villanueva v. Quisumbing
Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, and distinguishes grave misconduct from disgraceful and immoral conduct.
Ombudsman's Power to Investigate COA Findings Not a Prerequisite: PAL Officers Case
Supreme Court rules Ombudsman lacks jurisdiction over officers of GOCCs without original charters, like PAL. Learn the limits of Ombudsman power.
Mandamus and Discretionary Powers: Can Courts Compel Agency Action?
Explaining the limits of mandamus in Philippine law, when courts can compel agency action, and the doctrine of qualified political agency.
Adverse Claims vs. Levy on Execution: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn when an adverse claim can defeat a levy on execution in Philippine property law, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.