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.
When Does a Right to Radio Frequencies Vest? The NOW Telecom Ruling
A legislative franchise does not guarantee radio frequencies. The Supreme Court explains why spectrum use is a privilege.
SEC Quasi-Legislative Power: When Courts Can Review Agency Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review SEC regulations and why injunctions against the agency were improper in the PSE voting rights case.
Third-Party Claims in Labor Disputes: Protecting Assets from Wrongful Levy
Learn how the Supreme Court protects third-party asset owners from wrongful levy in labor dispute executions, and the proper remedies available.
Protecting Environmental Advocacy: The Limits of SLAPP Suits in Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts define the limits of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), balancing environmental advocacy with the right to protect reputations.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Supreme Court Clarifies
The Supreme Court nullified a writ of possession in an NGCP expropriation case, ruling that trial courts must first determine the expropriator's authority before issuing the writ.
When Can a City Demand Access to Private Property? The Caloocan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may demand access to private roads, balancing public service duties against property rights.
Billboard Regulations in the Philippines: Permits, Due Process, and the Power Ads Ruling
Learn the legal rules for billboard permits in the Philippines, including the Power Ads case and the due process protections for advertisers.
Contractual Obligations and Tortious Interference in Philippine Media Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on talent contracts, breach, and tortious interference in the media industry.
Navigating Public Convenience and Local Traffic Regulations: A Landmark Ruling on Jeepney Routes
The Supreme Court clarifies that certificates of public convenience do not override local traffic regulations, affirming local governments' power.
Probable Cause and Government Procurement: Insights from the DOH v. Pascua Case
The Supreme Court dismissed DOH petitions against a trial court's TRO and injunction in a bidding dispute, ruling the case moot after the project proceeded.
Petition for Relief and Extrinsic Fraud: Jurisdiction Limits in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for relief from judgments, the role of extrinsic fraud, and jurisdictional limits under Rule 38.
Writ of Possession in Philippine Foreclosures: Finality and the Lessons from HH & Co. v. Perlas
Learn when a writ of possession becomes final and executory in Philippine foreclosures, and why courts rarely recall it, based on HH & Co. v. Perlas.
Immediate Execution of Ombudsman Decisions: Protecting Public Service Integrity
Learn why Ombudsman dismissal orders take effect immediately despite pending motions for reconsideration, and what this means for public officers.
Judicial Overreach: Enjoining Ombudsman Suspension Orders and the Limits of Declaratory Relief
A judge was fined for gross ignorance of the law after issuing injunctions against an Ombudsman suspension order, exceeding RTC jurisdiction.
Judicial Accountability: Defining the Boundaries of Gross Ignorance of the Law
When does a judge's legal error become gross ignorance of the law? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in Ortega v. Judge Dacara.
Demolition and Due Process: Balancing Property Rights and Public Projects in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when demolitions may proceed without a court order under RA 7279, using the BCDA JUSMAG case.
Avoiding Forum Shopping in Philippine Construction Disputes: Key Lessons from Dynamic Builders
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Dynamic Builders clarifies forum shopping rules and injunctive relief in Philippine construction disputes.
Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax on Trust Agreements: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to trust agreements and the evidence needed for tax refund claims.
Cashier's Checks and Contractual Disputes: Bank Obligations and Purchaser Rights in Philippine Law
When can a purchaser stop payment on a manager's or cashier's check? The Supreme Court explains in Chiok v. Metrobank.
Balancing Public Safety and Private Property Access Rights on Limited Access Highways
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property owners' rights to access limited access highways like NLEX, balancing police power and private interests.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: The Imminent Danger of Insolvency Standard
When can a judgment be executed before appeal is final? The Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard and a surety's exposure on an injunction bond.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Perfecting Appeals Strict Compliance With Rules OF Court IS Mandatory
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on writs of possession, third-party adverse claims, and strict procedural compliance in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Loan Restructuring vs Foreclosure: Borrower Rights in the Philippines
When does a pending loan restructuring stop a bank from foreclosing? The Supreme Court explains borrower rights and limits.