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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Challenging NTC Rules: Courts, Not Just Agencies, Can Hear Validity Cases
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts have jurisdiction to review NTC regulations issued under quasi-legislative power, without exhausting administrative remedies.
Motion to Dismiss Clarifies Court's Duty and the Boundaries of Prescription
A look at how the Supreme Court clarified the proper appellate remedy from COSLAP decisions and the boundaries of prescription in land disputes.
The Perils of Second Pre-Trials: Safeguarding Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a second pre-trial without proper notice violates due process, and explains the proper appeal route for COSLAP decisions.
Executive Power vs Legislative Domain: Defining Reorganization Authority in Philippine Sports Governance
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling on EO 81 clarifies the President's power to reorganize the Executive Branch and transfer agency functions.
Death Penalty Moratorium: The Supreme Court's Stance on Legislative Influence and Execution
The Supreme Court rules that pending bills in Congress cannot justify staying death sentences, reaffirming the constitutionality of the death penalty.
Presidential Authority vs Legislative Power in Reorganizing Government Agencies
Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to reorganize executive agencies and transfer functions, distinguishing it from legislative authority.
When Words Wound: Understanding Simple Slander Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of simple slander in Baula v. People, and explains when spoken words cross the line into criminal defamation.
Contractual Obligations: Estoppel Bars Challenge to Futures Trading Agreement
In Jefferson Lim v. Queensland Tokyo Commodities, Inc., the Supreme Court ruled that a party who enjoys the benefits of a contract cannot later question its validity.
Equitable Estoppel in Land Disputes: When Active Participation Waives Jurisdictional Challenges
Learn how active participation in proceedings can bar jurisdictional challenges in land disputes, based on Alcantara v. COSLAP.
Del Mar v. PAGCOR: The Scope of PAGCOR's Franchise and Jai-Alai Operations
The Supreme Court ruled PAGCOR's franchise under P.D. 1869 does not include operating jai-alai, a gambling activity requiring express legislative grant.
Diplomatic Immunity Slander and the Limits of Protection for International Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not crimes like slander.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
Curbing Forum Shopping Coslaps Jurisdiction AND Respect FOR Court Authority
PAGCOR’s Authority Unveiled: Navigating the Limits of Gambling Franchises in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules PAGCOR’s franchise covers gambling casinos, not jai-alai. A landmark case on legislative franchises.
Proving Guilt in Rape-Slay Cases: Credibility of Deaf-Mute Witnesses and Conspiracy
The Supreme Court affirms rape-slay convictions based on a deaf-mute eyewitness's testimony, and clarifies the rules on witness credibility and conspiracy.
Legislative Immunity
When Prison Bars the Legislative Seat: Jalosjos and the Limits of Congressional Immunity
The Supreme Court ruled that a convicted congressman cannot claim parliamentary immunity to attend sessions while detained for a non-bailable offense.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: The Napolcom Commissioners Case
When Congress declared Napolcom commissioners' terms expired, the Supreme Court struck it down as a violation of security of tenure.
Local Autonomy vs Legislative Power: Safeguarding Citizen Approval in City Reclassification
Supreme Court ruling: downgrading a city's status without a plebiscite violates the Constitution and local autonomy.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Why Supervisory and Rank-and-File Employees Cannot Join the Same Union in the Philippines
Philippine law bars mixed unions of supervisors and rank-and-file workers. The Dunlop Slazenger case explains the rule and its consequences.
Executive Overreach vs Privacy Rights: The Landmark Ople v. Torres National ID Case
The Supreme Court struck down Executive Order on National ID System for violating privacy and usurping legislative power.
Lost IN Translation WHY Perfecting Your Appeal ON Time AND With Proper Documentation IS NON Negotiable IN Philippine Courts
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.