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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PAGCOR Requirements for Destruction and Decommissioning of Gaming Equipment
How PAGCOR-enrolled suppliers and licensees secure approval for the destruction or decommissioning of gaming equipment, including forms, deadlines, and documents.
NPC Registration in the Philippines: Requirements and Who Must Register
Learn who must register with the National Privacy Commission under the Data Privacy Act, the registration requirements for data processing systems, and how to comply.
Mandamus and Funding for National Sports: A Clear Legal Duty
Supreme Court clarifies mandamus requirements and orders PAGCOR, PCSO to fully fund the Philippine Sports Commission under RA 6847.
Notarial Practice Consequences: Improper Notarization in the Philippines
A lawyer who notarizes a document with a forged signature and without the signatory's presence faces suspension and loss of notarial commission.
When Notarizing Two Deeds for the Same Property Becomes a Lawyer’s Undoing
A lawyer who notarized two deeds of sale for the same property with different amounts was suspended and lost his notarial commission. Here’s why.
Attorney Misconduct When Negligence AND Deceit Lead TO Disbarment IN THE Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how notarizing without a commission violates the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility, warranting disbarment.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Discipline for Lawyers
Learn the disciplinary consequences for Philippine lawyers who notarize documents without a valid commission, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Negligence in Notarization: Lawyers Must Verify Identity to Avoid Malpractice
A notary's failure to verify identity through competent evidence can lead to suspension and loss of notarial commission.
Expired Notarial Commission: When Notarizing Without Authority Leads to Disbarment-Adjacent Penalties
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years and permanently disqualified him from notarial work for notarizing over 300 documents with an expired commission.
Due Process in Elections: COMELEC's Duty to Hear Conflicting Candidacy Claims
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's accreditation of dominant minority parties, clarifying that the Commission's rule-making power over political party accreditation is subject to constitutional limit
Taxpayers May Await Commissioner's Decision Before Appealing BIR Assessments to CTA
Supreme Court clarifies taxpayers may await the Commissioner's ruling on a protested BIR assessment before filing an appeal with the Court of Tax Appeals.
The Limits of Delegated Authority Protecting Indigenous Land Rights in the Philippines
A mining firm's compliance certificate was voided when an NCIP commissioner signed it without valid delegated authority. Learn the rules.
Brokers' Commissions Survive Property Buy-Backs: Lessons from Malate Construction v. ERABCO
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commissions once sale conditions are met, even if buyers later default and properties are bought back.
Understanding Employee Entitlements: The Right to 13th Month Pay for Commission-Based Workers in the Philippin
A clear guide to the 13th month pay rule for commission-based employees, citing the latest Supreme Court interpretation.
Resignation and Commission Rights: Insights From a Philippine Labor Case
A seafarer's resignation and quitclaim can bar disability claims. Learn the rules on valid waivers and company doctor assessments.
Notarial Duties and Document Integrity: Lessons from a Lawyer's Negligence
A lawyer's failure to record a notarized document in the notarial register leads to suspension and revocation of commission.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Why Court-Appointed Commissioners Are Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appointing commissioners to determine just compensation in expropriation cases is mandatory, even under RA 8974.
Notarizing With an Expired Commission: A Cautionary Tale for Legal Practitioners
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for notarizing with an expired commission. Learn the rules, the ruling, and the practical takeaways.
Understanding Evident Bad Faith in Graft Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court clarifies the element of evident bad faith in Section 3(e) R.A. 3019 cases and the crucial rule on variance of the mode of commission.
Understanding the COA's Role in Government Contracts: Insights from a Landmark Dairy Farm Case
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the Commission on Audit's power to disallow irregular government contracts and the liability of public officers.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Dangers of Assisting False Witnesses in Philippine Courts
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a commission and assists false witnesses faces suspension and perpetual disqualification from notarial practice.
When Corporate Veil Piercing Fails: Renewal Commissions After Agent Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a terminated insurance agent can claim commissions and when the alter ego doctrine applies to affiliated companies.
Understanding the Consequences of Notarial Misconduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains the penalties for notarizing documents without a valid commission and other notarial violations.
Brokers Entitlement Establishing Procuring Cause IN Real Estate Joint Ventures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission in a joint venture deal, explained in plain language.