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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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.
Police Power and Civilian Employees: Defining Authority Within the PNP
Supreme Court ruling on NAPOLCOM Resolution 93-032: civilian PNP employees cannot exercise police powers reserved for uniformed personnel.
Caloocan City Budget Battle Defining Misconduct AND Local Government Authority
Judicial Overreach Defining Jurisdictional Boundaries IN Marriage Solemnization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judges' authority in marriage solemnization, ruling on jurisdiction limits and administrative liability.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Disputes: The Limits of COMELEC's Power
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the boundaries of COMELEC's authority in election contests, ensuring due process.
Judicial Overreach Limits on Municipal Courts Issuing Hold Departure Orders
The Supreme Court reprimands a municipal trial court judge for issuing a hold departure order beyond his court's authority, clarifying limits under Circular 39-97.
Protecting Landowners Rights: The Judiciarys Role in Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court affirms that courts, not administrative agencies, have final authority over just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
Ensuring Fair Elections: COMELEC's Authority to Suspend Proclamation Amid Voting Irregularities
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to suspend a mayor's proclamation when precincts fail to function, protecting voter enfranchisement.
Unions Cannot Waive Individual Workers' Rights Without Their Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unions can compromise individual workers' claims without their consent, and the limits of collective bargaining authority.
Sheriffs Authority VS Abuse OF Power Defining Limits IN Foreclosure Proceedings
When can courts suspend public officials? Juan v. People clarifies preventive suspension under the Anti-Graft Law for election offenses.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.
When BIR Regional Directors Can File Tax Collection Cases: The Hizon Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies BIR regional directors' authority to file tax collection suits and the prescription rules under the NIRC.