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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Integrity in Public Service: Why Honesty in Your Personal Data Sheet Matters
A sheriff's dismissal for hiding a past dismissal in his Personal Data Sheet, and the limits of a judge's authority over court staff.
Valid Warrantless Arrests in Drug Cases: Know Your Rights in the Philippines
Learn when warrantless arrests in Philippine drug cases are valid, and the legal limits of police authority under Rule 113.
Breach of Trust When a Father's Authority Masks Sexual Abuse in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape by a father, moral ascendancy as intimidation, and proper penalties.
Sheriff’s Authority in Property Levy: What Francisco v. Cruz Teaches About Execution Sales
Learn how Francisco v. Cruz defines a sheriff’s limits in property levy and execution sales, and how to protect your rights.
Presidential Authority Over SBMA Awards and Limits of Injunctions in Government Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on presidential control over SBMA bids, injunction limits under RA 7227, and foreign bidder licensing requirements.
Presidential Power Bidding Wars Navigating Philippine Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's authority to overturn government contract awards and the limits on foreign bidders' rights.
Spousal Authority IN Legal Filings When ONE Signature Suffices IN Philippine Courts
When Parental Authority Becomes Criminal Abuse: Rape by a Father in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 12-year-old daughter leads to reclusion perpetua, not death, because the minority was not alleged in the information.
Summary Judgment Denied: Genuine Issues of Authority and Liability Must Be Resolved at Trial
When can a party get summary judgment? The Supreme Court explains why genuine issues of fact—like authority to sue and liability—require a full trial.
Parental Authority vs Incestuous Rape: Clarifying Proof and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of incestuous rape, the weight of parental authority, and the proper penalties under Philippine law.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Individual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on indirect contempt, fines versus indefinite incarceration, and the courts' coercive power to enforce orders.
Lis Pendens and Judicial Authority: When Can a Court Cancel a Notice of Pending Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies which court has authority to cancel a notice of lis pendens and the procedural requirements that must be followed.
Upholding Statutory Intent: HDMF Rule-Making Power and Employee Benefit Exemptions
Supreme Court rules HDMF exceeded its authority by requiring both provident and housing plans for Pag-IBIG exemption.
Due Process and Judicial Conduct: When Speedy Action Becomes Abuse of Authority
A judge who ruled on a motion before the scheduled hearing was fined for violating due process. Learn the rules on notice and hearing.
MMDA vs. Bel-Air Village: The Limits of Authority Over Private Roads
The Supreme Court ruled the MMDA cannot open private subdivision roads to public traffic without a local ordinance, clarifying its administrative role.
When Courts Overstep Authority in Preliminary Investigations: Domondon v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with the Ombudsman's prosecutory discretion, and when judicial overreach becomes grave abuse.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge Ignores the Supreme Court and the Law
A 2000 Supreme Court ruling shows that judges can be fined for failing to follow a mandatory reporting law and for remarks that undermine the Court's authority.
Premature Injunctions Protecting Government Authority IN Foreshore Lease Disputes
State Immunity vs Personal Liability: Defining the Limits of Official Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials can be sued personally despite state immunity, using the Lansang v. Court of Appeals case.
Defining Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets and PCGG Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies the Sandiganbayan’s exclusive jurisdiction over incidents related to sequestered assets, reinforcing PCGG’s authority to protect ill-gotten wealth.
Upholding Judicial Authority THE Limits OF Contempt AND Recourse TO False Claims
Written Authority Required for Real Estate Agents: The City-Lite Realty Rule
Under Article 1874 of the Civil Code, an agent selling land must have written authority; otherwise, the sale is void. Learn the rules.
Power Rate Differentials: ERB Authority to Protect Utility Companies Upheld
Supreme Court affirms ERB power to set rate differentials favoring utilities over direct industrial customers of NAPOCOR.
Power Rate Differentials: When Regulators May Favor Utilities Over Direct Consumers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ERB authority to set power rate differentials between utilities and direct industrial consumers.