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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Absolute Privilege in Quasi-Judicial Proceedings: The Arquiza Libel Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a party-list nominee of libel, extending absolute privilege to statements in COMELEC quasi-judicial petitions.
Attorney Discipline: Negligence and Misconduct in Quasi-Judicial Roles
When do a government lawyer's official acts become grounds for discipline? The Court clarifies the standard in this 2024 ruling.
Understanding the Limits of Quasi-Judicial Powers: The DARAB's Jurisdictional Boundaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DARAB, as a quasi-judicial body, cannot exercise certiorari powers—a key ruling on jurisdictional limits.
Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Upholds Independence of Quasi-Judicial Officers
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaint against NLRC commissioners, warning against using disciplinary cases to harass adjudicators.
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.
Can the President Revoke a Mining Agreement? The Narra Nickel Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the President's cancellation of a Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement is administrative, not quasi-judicial.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: Due Process in Administrative Regulation
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC may revoke securities registration without a separate hearing, distinguishing regulatory from quasi-judicial powers.
Untimely Appeal: Why the Secretary of Labor Could Not Challenge a Reversal in Certification Election Cases
The Supreme Court denies the Secretary of Labor's appeal in certification election cases, ruling that quasi-judicial officers cannot question appellate reversals.
When Labor Officials Cannot Appeal: The Real Party-in-Interest Rule
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that quasi-judicial officers like the Labor Secretary cannot appeal adverse appellate decisions, reinforcing judicial detachment.
Grave Misconduct and Discretion: Analyzing Quasi-Judicial Errors in Labor Disputes
When can courts overturn NLRC rulings? This case clarifies grave abuse of discretion and negligence standards in labor disputes.
SEP Clearance and the Limits of Certiorari: When Administrative Action Is Not Quasi-Judicial
The Supreme Court clarifies when an SEP Clearance from the Palawan Council is an administrative act, not a quasi-judicial one, and why certiorari is the wrong remedy.
LLDA's Implied Power to Impose Fines for Water Pollution Violations
Supreme Court affirms LLDA's implied power to impose daily fines for water pollution, citing its regulatory and quasi-judicial functions.
Contempt of the COMELEC: The Scope of Its Quasi-Judicial Power Explained
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to cite for contempt even when acting through fact-finding task forces, clarifying the scope of its quasi-judicial authority.
Right to Property vs Contractual Obligations: Preliminary Injunctions Explained
Learn when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to protect property rights, and the limits of quasi-judicial contempt powers.