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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Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Correct Remedy Against Government Decisions
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and that the remedy against many agency decisions is a timely petition for review.
Accountability Beyond Authority Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Affiliation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment liability for unregistered agency representatives, with practical compliance guidance.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.
Solidary Liability Ensuring Wage Compliance In Security Service Contracts
When a security agency underpays guards, the client company can be held jointly and severally liable under the Labor Code.
Affidavit Ambiguity in Manning Agency Liability: A Philippine Maritime Law Lesson
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how ambiguous affidavits of undertaking by manning agents should be interpreted in maritime claims.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Travel Agency Liability: Ordinary Care, Not Common Carrier Duties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that travel agencies owe ordinary diligence, not the extraordinary care required of common carriers.
Civilianizing the Coast Guard Appointments and the Reach of the Commission on Appointments
Explaining why Philippine Coast Guard officers need no CA confirmation once the agency is civilianized under the DOTC.
Circumventing Disqualification Orders Through Consultancy Contracts Warrants Lawyer Suspension
Lawyer suspended for violating court disqualification by serving as "consultant" to government agency while performing employee duties.
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.
Agency and Real Estate Sales: The Necessity of Written Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Government Contracts Void When Bid Exceeds Congressional Appropriation
Supreme Court rules a winning bidder cannot compel a government agency to formalize a contract when the bid exceeds the amount appropriated by Congress.
Agency LAW When A Letter OF Authority Binds A Corporation
Solidary Liability of Co-Principals in Agency: Agent May Collect Full Commission From Any Principal
When co-owners appoint an agent for a common transaction, they are solidarily liable. The agent can collect the full commission from any one of them.
Public Bidding AND Administrative Discretion When Courts Defer TO Agency Expertise
Residential vs Agricultural Land: Resolving Land Use Classification and Tenant Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when land is residential and exempt from agrarian reform, plus the rules on irrevocable agency coupled with interest.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion in Anti-Graft Cases: Odin Security Agency v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court explains when courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause and the limits of certiorari review in graft cases.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: When a Philippine Agency Can Sign for Its Foreign Principal
The Supreme Court held that a local recruitment agency may sign the certification of non-forum shopping for its foreign principal, but strict rules still apply to service of pleadings.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and SEC Jurisdiction Over Listed Banks
Supreme Court clarifies that listed banks must comply with SEC disclosure rules despite BSP supervision, explaining agency jurisdiction and administrative remedies.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Agency Prerogative and Orderly Legal Process
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld SEC disclosure rules for listed banks, clarifying the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Lessons from People v. Fajardo
The Supreme Court affirms that unlicensed recruiters face life imprisonment and estafa liability, even when claiming to act for a licensed agency.
Protecting Public Funds: Garnishment and Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines
When can a government agency's funds be garnished? The Supreme Court explains the limits of execution pending appeal.
HLURB vs SEC Jurisdiction in Subdivision Disputes: Protecting Homeowners' Rights
When a subdivision developer is under receivership, which agency—HLURB or SEC—hears homeowners' complaints? The Supreme Court settles the jurisdictional question.
Challenging Compromise Judgments Protecting Third Party Rights IN Philippine Courts
A look at how Philippine courts treat assignments of delivery receipts, agency claims, and compensation in sugar sale disputes.