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.
Nepotism in Government: Designation of Relatives Is a Prohibited Appointment
The Supreme Court ruled that designating a relative to government duties—even unpaid or off-plantilla—violates the ban on nepotism.
Road Lots and HLURB Jurisdiction: What Subdivision Owners Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision road lots, public access rights, and the need to exhaust administrative remedies.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
Quasi-Delict Claims Need No Reservation: Supreme Transport Ruling Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that quasi-delict counterclaims may proceed without reservation in criminal cases, subject only to the ban on double recovery.
Extraordinary Diligence: Carrier Liability for Misdelivered Goods
When a courier delivers to the wrong person, the shipment is legally "lost." The Supreme Court explains carrier liability and the limits of air waybill exemptions.
Notarization Rules: When a Notary Public Violates the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice
The Supreme Court defines the strict personal appearance requirement for notarization and the penalties for violating notarial rules.
Lawyer Suspended for Lending Money to Client: Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for lending money to a client, citing Rule 16.04 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony alone, even without medical or physical evidence of penetration.
Revival of Judgment: Why It Must Be Filed with the RTC, Not the Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that actions to revive a judgment must be filed with the Regional Trial Court, not the Court of Appeals.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: What the Zamora Case Teaches Litigants
Learn how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes forum shopping, and what the Zamora ruling means for litigants filing multiple cases.
Curfew Laws and Minors' Rights: Balancing State Protection and Individual Freedoms
The Supreme Court upholds juvenile curfew ordinances in Quezon City, Manila, and Navotas, balancing state protection with minors' rights.
Malicious Prosecution: Proving Malice and Bad Faith in Filing Administrative Complaints
Filing an administrative complaint is not automatically malicious prosecution. Learn what Philippine courts require to prove malice and bad faith.
When Can Courts Interfere With Ombudsman Probable Cause Findings
The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial review over Ombudsman probable cause findings in anti-graft cases against public officers.
Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts: Police Power, Not Eminent Domain
The Supreme Court upheld the 20% senior citizen and PWD medicine discounts as a valid exercise of police power, not eminent domain requiring just compensation.
When Can an Agent Delegate Authority? The Rule on Substitution Under Philippine Law
Philippine law presumes an agent may appoint a substitute unless prohibited. Learn the rules, limits, and risks from a Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Accountability: Defining the Boundaries of Gross Ignorance of the Law
When does a judge's legal error become gross ignorance of the law? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in Ortega v. Judge Dacara.
Hierarchy of Courts and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: The Imperative for Orderly Legal Processes
The Supreme Court reiterates that parties must observe the hierarchy of courts and exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial relief.
Upholding Judicial Stability: No Interference with Execution of Final Judgments
A losing party cannot file a separate action to stop execution of a final judgment. The proper remedy is before the issuing court.
Tax Exemption for PAGCOR Licensees: Understanding the Scope of PD 1869
The Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR licensees remain exempt from corporate income tax on gaming operations under PD 1869.
Demolition and Due Process: Balancing Property Rights and Public Projects in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when demolitions may proceed without a court order under RA 7279, using the BCDA JUSMAG case.
Execution Pending Appeal: Moral Damages and Attorney's Fees Excluded
Supreme Court rules moral damages, exemplary damages, and attorney's fees cannot be included in execution pending appeal. Learn the rules.
Public Health Workers' Benefits: Balancing Magna Carta Rights and Budget Rules
Supreme Court rules on DBM-DOH and DBM-CSC circulars affecting hazard pay, subsistence allowance, and longevity pay for public health workers.
Breach of Contract and the Limits of Bank Manager Authority: Apparent Authority in Real Estate Transactions
When does a bank branch manager's promise bind the bank? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority in Games and Garments Developers, Inc. v. Allied Banking Corporation.
Protecting Public Land: The Nullity of Sales Within the Five-Year Prohibitory Period
A sale of free patent land within five years is void ab initio, imprescriptible, and cannot be cured by laches.