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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Apparent Authority in Corporate Contracts: When a President's Actions Bind a Philippine Company
The Supreme Court explains when a corporate president's contracts bind the company, even without board approval, under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Parental Authority in Incestuous Rape Cases in the Philippines
How Philippine courts treat parental authority as a form of intimidation in incestuous rape, explained through People v. Bartolome.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
Invalid Sheriff's Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Judgment Execution
Learn from Dayonot v. NLRC why a sheriff's lack of authority voids an auction sale and what it means for judgment execution.
Retirement Benefit Claims Under CBAs: Who Has Jurisdiction in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over retirement benefit claims arising from collective bargaining agreements, distinguishing Labor Arbiter and Voluntary Arbitrator authority.
Dilg VS Comelec Scope OF Authority IN Sangguniang Kabataan SK Elections
Breach of Trust When Workplace Misconduct Leads to Dismissal in the Philippine Judiciary
A judge's dismissal for grave abuse of authority and gross ignorance of the law, highlighting due process and judicial conduct standards.
Exceeding Authority or Political Vendetta: Ombudsman Dismissal of Local Officials in the Philippines
When can the Ombudsman's dismissal of a local official be overturned? The Supreme Court explains in Constantino v. Desierto.
When Can the LRA Refuse to Issue a Decree of Registration? Mandamus Limits Explained
The Supreme Court explains when the Land Registration Authority may validly refuse to issue a decree of registration and why mandamus cannot compel it.
COMELEC's Power to Prosecute Election Offenses: Independent Authority Affirmed
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's exclusive authority to prosecute election offenses, ruling that deputized prosecutors cannot override its decisions.
Philippine Coconut Authority Cannot Abandon Its Regulatory Power
Supreme Court rules PCA cannot deregulate coconut processing industry by resolution, as only Congress can dismantle statutory regulation.
When Real Property Tax Assessments Can Be Challenged: Lessons from Callanta v. Ombudsman
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when property owners may challenge real property tax assessments and the limits of city assessors' authority.
Incestuous Rape: Parental Authority as Intimidation in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court ruled that a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter can substitute for force or intimidation in incestuous rape.
Possession vs Intent: Understanding Illegal Firearm Charges in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on double jeopardy in illegal firearm cases, and why a prosecutor's authority matters in criminal charges.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
When Is a Principal Liable for an Agent's Debt? Lessons from Bordador v. Luz
The Supreme Court explains when a principal is liable for an agent's debt, and why apparent authority must be proven.
Strikes AND Reinstatement Balancing Workers Rights AND Employer Authority IN THE Philippines
The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
SEC vs Stock Exchange: Who Decides Which Stocks Get Listed in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies the SEC's power to review stock exchange listing decisions and the limits of that authority.
Presidential Power vs Legislative Authority: Proclamation Validity in the Philippines
Supreme Court nullifies Proclamation No. 164 for exceeding presidential power after Congress convened, reaffirming separation of powers.
When a Teacher's Discretion Is Not Oppression: The Limits of Authority in Philippine Schools
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a teacher's reasonable enrollment requirement is not oppression, defining the limits of administrative liability.
Direct Contempt of Court: Limits on Punishment and Judicial Authority in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies direct contempt penalties, judicial authority limits, and accountability in Veluz v. Babaran.
Judicial Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Its Consequences for Judges
Philippine Supreme Court censures judge for grave abuse of authority, misconduct in issuing extended TROs and lifting hold departure order.
The Clerk’s Duty: Accurate Case Reporting and the Efficient Administration of Justice in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk fined for issuing a subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, underscoring diligence in court duties.