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.
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.
Right to Access Court Records: Balancing Public Interest and Privacy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when court records are public, who may access them, and how courts balance transparency with privacy.
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.
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.
When Does Prescription Start for a Renunciation Agreement? Caoibes v. Caoibes-Pantoja
Learn when the prescriptive period runs for enforcing a renunciation agreement, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Caoibes v. Caoibes-Pantoja.
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.
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.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Judicial Review: Navigating Anti-Graft Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute anti-graft cases.
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.
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.
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.
Implied Tenancy in the Philippines: When Land Use Creates Tenant Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when implied tenancy arises in agrarian disputes, and why an overseer's acts alone cannot create tenant rights.
MIAA vs Parañaque: When Local Governments Cannot Tax National Assets
The Supreme Court ruled that MIAA's airport lands are exempt from local real estate tax because MIAA is a government instrumentality, not a GOCC.
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.
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.
Sailing in Troubled Waters: The High Cost of Misrepresentation in Philippine Vessel Registration
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled on SEC's cease and desist powers and the dangers of corporate misrepresentation.
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.
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.
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.
Private Complainants May File Certiorari in Criminal Cases: Rodriguez v. Gadiane
When can a private complainant in a criminal case file certiorari without the prosecutor's conformity? The Supreme Court explains in Rodriguez v. Gadiane.
Bouncing Checks Liability Without the Original Check: Key Lessons from Arceo v. People
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a person can be held liable under BP 22 even if the original check is lost or missing.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: Defining the Limits of Presidential Power
The Supreme Court struck down E.O. 464's blanket ban on executive officials appearing before Congress, clarifying the proper scope of executive privilege in legislative inquiries.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court explains when courts must order preventive suspension of public officials under the Anti-Graft law, and its limits.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip the Bureaucracy and Go to Court
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies and its exceptions, using a GSIS dismissal case as an example.