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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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.
Upholding Traffic Regulations: Valid Delegation of Power and Public Safety
The Supreme Court upholds traffic penalty regulations as valid exercises of delegated legislative power and police power for public safety.
Joint Resolutions vs Laws: The Ang Nars Ruling on Salary Grades and Legislative Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that only bills can become laws, not joint resolutions, in a ruling on nurse salary grades.
Senate Contempt Powers: When Legislative Inquiry Detention Must End
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Senate contempt detention limits during legislative inquiries, balancing legislative power and individual rights.
Electoral Rights vs Budgetary Constraints: Protecting People's Legislative Power in Local Governance
The Supreme Court rules that lack of budget cannot defeat local initiative, but propositions must stay within the sanggunian's powers.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: Reclassifying Public Positions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress may reclassify public positions, and security of tenure follows the position's nature at the time of removal.
Cityhood Laws and Equal Protection: Defining Legislative Power in Local Governance
The Supreme Court upholds cityhood laws exempting municipalities from RA 9009's income requirement, affirming Congress's plenary power.
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.
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.
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.
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.