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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When Does a Retirement Moot an Appointment Disapproval? A CSC Case Study
Explore Civil Service Commission v. Tahanlangit, where the Supreme Court ruled on when retirement renders an appointment disapproval moot.
Lawyers Must Substantiate Claims Against Judges: Notarial Ethics and Administrative Liability
A lawyer's baseless accusations against a judge and notarial violations led to suspension and disqualification from notarial commission.
Notarial Misconduct: Lawyers Bound by Commissioned Territory and Responsibilities
A lawyer's notarial commission is territorial and personal. Learn the limits from a Supreme Court ruling on a notary's misconduct.
Finality of Tax Assessments: Why Collection Efforts Don't Reopen Tax Disputes
When do collection letters and lawsuits reopen settled tax assessments? The Supreme Court clarifies in Pilipinas Shell v. Commissioner of Customs.
CSC Disciplinary Power Over State University Employees Affirmed Despite Board Autonomy
Supreme Court affirms CSC's authority to discipline state university employees, clarifying that board autonomy does not divest the Commission of jurisdiction.
Partition Disputes: The Mandatory Role of Commissioners in Property Division
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must appoint commissioners to divide property in partition disputes, and the limits of the parol evidence rule.
Party-List Disputes and Comelec Rehearing Rules: The Alagad Case
How the Supreme Court clarified Comelec rehearing rules when internal party-list disputes deadlock the Commission En Banc.
Brokers Entitlement Commission Rights Despite Sale Circumvention
COA's Power to Audit Public Contracts: Lessons from Lotrim v. Commission on Audit
Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the binding effect of procedural rules in government contract disputes.
Sheriffs Duty Balancing Execution AND Reporting Obligations IN Philippine LAW
A notary public who fails to verify identity before notarizing documents faces suspension and revocation of commission.
Negligence in Notarial Acts: Upholding the Integrity of Public Documents and the Duty of Due Diligence
A notary's failure to verify identity led to a three-month suspension and revocation of notarial commission. Learn the rules.
Motion for Reconsideration as a Prerequisite to Supreme Court Review in Election Cases
The Supreme Court rules that a COMELEC Division resolution must first be elevated to the Commission en banc before it can be questioned before the High Court.
Tax Refund Claims and the Commissioner's Investigative Duty: A Philippine Legal Guide
Learn how Philippine courts handle tax refund claims, the Commissioner's investigative duty, and why substantiating claims with income tax returns is crucial.
Notarizing Without a Commission: When a Lawyer’s Mistake Becomes Malpractice
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for notarizing documents after his commission expired, ruling that ignorance or reliance on staff is no excuse.
Constructive Dismissal VS Valid Grounds Employees Obligations AND Commission Disputes
Importation Rules on Abandonment and Duty Assessment in Customs Law
Chevron v. Commissioner of Customs clarifies when imported goods are deemed abandoned and how customs duties are assessed under the TCC.
Notary Negligence and Disqualification: Lessons from Baylon v. Almo
A notary who fails to verify identity can lose the commission and be disqualified. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Labor Disputes Involving Government Chartered Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that labor disputes in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters fall under the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Negligence in Notarial Duties: Attorney Liability and Public Trust
A lawyer-notary who fails to record notarized documents in the notarial register faces suspension and revocation of commission.
Estafa by Misappropriation of Goods Held in Trust: The Ceniza-Manantan Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains when failing to return jewelry or goods received on commission becomes estafa, and why a lawyer's mistakes rarely win a new trial.
Notarial Misconduct Lawyers Must Adhere to Geographic Limits of Notarial Commissions
A lawyer who notarizes documents outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and faces suspension and permanent disqualification from notarial practice.
Commission vs Basic Salary: Defining Retirement and 13th Month Pay in the Philippines
When do commissions count as basic salary for retirement pay and 13th month pay? The Supreme Court clarifies in Reyes v. NLRC.
Notarial Wills and Territorial Limits on Notary Public Authority
A will acknowledged before a notary acting outside his commission is void. Learn the territorial limits rule from Guerrero v. Bihis.
Notary Publics’ Ethical Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A notary public who notarizes a document knowing it contains false statements faces administrative sanctions, including suspension and revocation of commission.