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.
Local Government Authority vs Property Rights: Valid Ordinance Enforcement
Supreme Court clarifies when local ordinances are presumed valid and enforceable, balancing municipal authority against property rights claims.
Secretary's Certificate as Proof of Corporate Authority in Philippine Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a secretary's certificate suffices to prove corporate authority to file pleadings, and the duties of plaintiffs in pre-trial.
Agency and Authority: When a Deed Does Not Mean a Done Deal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of sale is void without proper agency authority under the Civil Code.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Protecting Trademarks: Unauthorized Refilling Constitutes Infringement And Unfair Competition
Unauthorized refilling of LPG cylinders bearing registered trademarks is trademark infringement and unfair competition, the Supreme Court ruled.
When Can Courts Dismiss a Case for Failure to Prosecute? A Land Registration Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for dismissing a case for failure to prosecute, using a land registration dispute as the backdrop.
When Can Government Agencies Represent Themselves? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Mandate
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Republic v. Cuizon on when government agencies may appear in court without the Solicitor General.
False Designation of Origin: When "Made in Portugal" Labels Mislead Consumers
The Supreme Court's ruling in Uyco v. Lo clarifies when geographic labels on products constitute false designation of origin under Philippine trademark law.
Tenants Rights and Landlords Title: Estoppel and Redemption in Lease Agreements
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on repurchase agreements, estoppel, and landlord-tenant rights in foreclosure cases.
Technical Malversation: Good Faith Is No Defense for Misapplying Public Funds
A mayor diverted food for malnourished children to calamity victims. The Supreme Court ruled this is technical malversation—good faith is no defense.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Rendering Decisions
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling on the consequences of delayed decisions and the importance of judicial accountability in the Philippine legal system.
Presidential Control vs Agency Autonomy: Disallowed Incentive Awards Without Approval
When can the President override an agency's incentive program? The Supreme Court explains the limits of agency autonomy under presidential control.
Supreme Court Acquits IMC General Manager But Affirms Convictions in P116M Graft Case
SC ruling clarifies evident bad faith in graft cases, acquitting an IMC official who relied on subordinates while affirming convictions of others.
Enforced Disappearance and State Complicity: The Amparo Writ's Core Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of amparo requires proof of state involvement in enforced disappearances, not just evidence that a person is missing.
Missing Rollo Case: Court Record Handling and Lawyer Accountability
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for borrowing a case rollo and keeping it for nearly 12 years, underscoring integrity in legal practice.
Philippine Sheriff Accountability Upholding Timely Writ Execution AND Proper Fund Handling
Supreme Court rules on sheriff's grave misconduct for delayed writ return and mishandling of execution proceeds in Sorsogon case.
Verification and Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why All Petitioners Must Sign
A single unsigned verification can dismiss a case. Learn the strict rules on certification against forum shopping from Formoso v. PNB.
Exclusive Franchises and Public Utilities: Constitutional Limits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down Section 47 of PD 198 as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exclusive franchises for public utilities are prohibited by the Constitution.
Facilities vs Supplements in Wage Disputes: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between facilities and supplements in computing wages, and when employers may deduct their value.
Equal Protection and Executive Power: The Philippine Truth Commission Case
The Supreme Court struck down Executive Order No. 1 creating the 2010 Truth Commission for violating equal protection. Learn why.
Toll Regulatory Powers Defining Limits In Public Private Infrastructure
Supreme Court defines TRB's franchise powers, toll regulation, and public bidding requirements in Luzon expressway cases.
Union Security Clauses and Employee Rights: Lessons from PICOP Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when union security clauses justify dismissal and how employee rights to self-organization are protected.
Job Evaluations and Employee Entitlements: Clarifying the Scope of Management Prerogative
Supreme Court clarifies that union security clauses cannot justify dismissal for exercising the right to self-organization during the freedom period.
Contract of Legal Services: When a Mayor's Authority Binds a Municipality
Supreme Court ruling on when a municipal mayor's contract binds the LGU, limits of Sangguniang Bayan authorization, and judgment on the pleadings.