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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Standing to Sue: The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
Who may appeal a dismissed criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the Solicitor General's exclusive authority and the limits on private prosecutors.
Supreme Court Upholds ERC's Power to Set Electric Cooperative Capital Contribution Charges
SC dismisses challenge to MCC/RFSC charges by electric cooperatives, affirming ERC's rate-setting authority under EPIRA.
Mining Rights: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and the DENR Secretary's Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can review mining disputes, the DENR Secretary's administrative powers, and the need to exhaust remedies.
Mining Rights: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and DENR Secretary Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that DENR Secretary's approval of mining agreements is administrative, not quasi-judicial, requiring exhaustion of administrative remedies.
BSP Can Use Private Counsel: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction and Representation Rules
Supreme Court rules on BSP's authority to engage private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property disputes.
BSP Authority to Engage Private Counsel and Jurisdiction in Legal Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies BSP's power to hire private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property cases involving assessed value.
Upholding Justice for Child Victims: Parental Authority and the Crime of Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for qualified rape of his minor daughter, clarifying evidentiary rules and penalties.
Clerk of Court Notarial Authority: Limits on Ex-Officio Powers in Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies clerks of court cannot notarize appeal pleadings; improper verification warrants dismissal of petition for review.
Clerk of Court Notarial Authority: Scope and Limits in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court may notarize only matters related to their official functions, not private pleadings.
Upholding Land Title Integrity: State Authority Over Public Domain Prevails
Supreme Court remands land title cancellation case, ruling procedural lapses by the OSG should not bar the State from recovering allegedly fraudulent titles.
COMELEC Authority Over Election Officers and Execution Pending Appeal Rules
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC's supervisory power over election officers and when courts lose jurisdiction to order execution pending appeal.
Golf Courses and Amusement Tax: When Local Tax Power Exceeds Its Boundaries
The Supreme Court nullifies Cebu City's amusement tax on golf courses, ruling it exceeds the Local Government Code's grant of taxing authority.
Open Space Preservation: HLURB Authority Over Subdivision Mortgage Disputes
When a developer mortgages a subdivision's designated open space, homeowners can seek annulment before the HLURB, not just the courts.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Disbarred FOR Unauthorized Compromise AND Misappropriation OF Funds
A lawyer who compromised a client's case without authority and misused funds for docket fees was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
Can a University Be Bound by Unauthorized Mortgages? Corporate Authority Explained
When can a corporation be bound by an officer's unauthorized acts? The Supreme Court explains in University of Mindanao v. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Unveiling Corporate Authority When Contracts Exceed Presidential Power
Assignment of Mortgage and BSP’s Foreclosure Authority Hinges on Valid Deed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may foreclose a mortgage assigned to it, requiring a valid deed of assignment.
Limits of a General Power of Attorney Authority to Sell Real Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a general power of attorney does not authorize an agent to sell real property without a special power of attorney.
Injunctions Against POEA Orders: Balancing Agency Authority and Judicial Review
When can courts enjoin POEA orders? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of agency authority and judicial power in Principalia.
When a Notary Lacks Authority: How Defective Notarization Can Void Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on defective notarization, judicial partition, and why notarized documents require a validly commissioned notary public.
Joint Account Withdrawal Rights: Limits of Authority Among Co-Depositors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint account, meaning either depositor could transact without the other's signature.
Judicial Overreach: When Contempt Powers Become Grave Abuse of Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's contempt order crosses the line into grave abuse of authority, and the limits of judicial discretion.
Real Party in Interest: When Can an Agent Sue on Behalf of a Principal?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an agent may sue in its own name and the limits of an agent's authority to file suit.
Breach of Contract and the Limits of Bank Manager Authority: Apparent Authority in Real Estate Transactions
When does a bank branch manager's promise bind the bank? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority in Games and Garments Developers, Inc. v. Allied Banking Corporation.