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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Suspension of Public Officials: Fraudulent Acts and the Anti-Graft Law
Explore how the Supreme Court handled a mayor's suspension and reinstatement in an Anti-Graft case, clarifying undue injury under RA 3019.
Public Office Conduct: Mayor's Residence vs Public Good in Radio Antenna Installation
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review Ombudsman findings on probable cause and public officers' use of government property.
Succession and Disqualification: Determining the Lawful Mayor in Philippine Elections
When a winning mayoral candidate is disqualified after the election, the vice mayor succeeds—not the second placer. Here's why.
Status Quo Ante Orders and Election Disputes: The Estrella v. COMELEC Ruling
A mayor's battle for his seat shows why COMELEC commissioners cannot partially inhibit and still vote en banc. Learn the rule on quorum.
Judicial Accountability in Unlawful Detainer Cases: The Montemayor Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in an ejectment case underscores the strict timelines and impartiality required of Philippine courts.
Unexplained Wealth and Due Process: Montemayor and Public Service Integrity
A look at Montemayor v. Bundalian, where the Supreme Court upheld a public official's dismissal for unexplained wealth and clarified due process in administrative cases.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Vague Date in Information: People v. Cantomayor
The Supreme Court upheld a father's rape conviction even though the information alleged only "on or about the year 1990," clarifying when the date of the crime really matters.
Reviving Election Mandates: How the Supreme Court Ensured the People's Choice Prevails
Learn how the Supreme Court protected the people's choice by reversing a disqualification and ordering the proclamation of the winning mayoral candidate.
Independent Counsel Requirement in Custodial Investigation: The Velarde Case
A mayor acting as counsel during custodial investigation is not independent, making confessions inadmissible and leading to acquittal.
Mayoral Prerogative vs Police Professionalism: Understanding the Limits of Local Executive Power in Police App
A look at how the Supreme Court balances a mayor's appointment power with the need for police professionalism and legal limits.
Rape Conviction and Proof of Victim's Age: People v. Mayorga
SC ruling on rape, death penalty, and the need for independent proof of victim's age below seven years.
Judicial Accountability and Due Process in Business Permit Revocations
Acebedo Optical v. CA clarifies limits of mayoral power over business permits and why ultra vires conditions cannot bind a permit holder.
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.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases: Municipal Mayors and Salary Grade 27
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan, not trial courts, hears graft cases against municipal mayors based on salary grade.
Term Limits for Philippine Mayors: When a Term Does Not Count (Lonzanida v. COMELEC)
The Supreme Court explains when a mayor's interrupted or void service does not count toward the three-term limit under Philippine law.
Misappropriation vs Private Property: Understanding Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that malversation requires public property. A mayor's custody of a private gun is not malversation.
Conflict of Interest Under RA 3019: The Domingo Case on Public Office Integrity
A mayor's conviction for conflict of interest under RA 3019 Section 3(h) shows why public officials must avoid even the appearance of impropriety.