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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Forum Shopping and Government Funds: Rallos v. City of Cebu on Execution of Judgments
The Supreme Court dismisses a contempt petition for forum shopping and clarifies rules on executing money judgments against local governments.
Local Union Disaffiliation Rights and Check-Off Dues Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a local union may disaffiliate from its mother federation and what happens to check-off dues.
Union Disaffiliation and Employee Rights in Collective Bargaining: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a local union's right to disaffiliate from its mother federation and the effect on collective bargaining and check-off.
Breach of Insurance Contract: The Impact of Unapproved Property Relocation
When insured property moves without insurer consent, coverage may cease. Learn from Malayan Insurance v. PAP Co. on relocation risks.
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.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Dual Citizenship and Electoral Candidacy: The Renunciation Requirement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that renouncing foreign citizenship to run for local office must be complete and unequivocal—using a foreign passport after renunciation can disqualify a candidate.
Overseas Dreams, Local Schemes: Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Economic Sabotage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on large-scale illegal recruitment, syndicate liability, and penalties for overseas employment fraud.
Claim Denied Strict Compliance Required FOR Local TAX Refund Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on local tax refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural requirements and the consequences of non-compliance.
Dual Citizenship and Public Office: When Using a Foreign Passport Disqualifies a Candidate
The Supreme Court rules that using a foreign passport after renouncing foreign citizenship disqualifies a candidate from running for local office.
Local Autonomy vs State Control: DENR's Authority Over Small-Scale Mining Permits
The Supreme Court upholds DENR's power to review and cancel small-scale mining permits issued by provincial governors, clarifying limits of local autonomy.
Amusement Tax Authority: Defining Places of Amusement Under the Local Government Code
Supreme Court clarifies which venues qualify as "places of amusement" for provincial amusement tax under the Local Government Code.
Amusement Tax and Local Government Authority: Defining "Other Places of Amusement"
Supreme Court rules provinces cannot tax resort admissions as "other places of amusement" under the Local Government Code.
Balancing Zealous Advocacy AND Honest Conduct Limits TO Protecting Client Interests
A lawyer’s duty to protect a client has limits: the Supreme Court reprimands counsel for using false statements in demand letters.
Challenging Residency Claims: The Supreme Court on Election Eligibility
A candidate's one-year residency requirement for local office demands clear proof of domicile, not just property ownership or voter registration.
Land Reclassification and Agrarian Reform: Prior Local Government Authority Prevails
Local government reclassification of land before June 15, 1988 can exempt property from CARP coverage, as the Supreme Court clarified in Heirs of Luna v. Afable.
When Can a Government Official Hire Private Counsel? Gontang v. Alayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when local government officials may hire private lawyers despite rules requiring government counsel representation.
Breaking the Chain: How Election Protests Can Interrupt the Three-Term Limit
The Supreme Court clarifies when an election protest breaks the three-term limit rule for local officials, using Mayor Abundo's case.
Local Government Taxing Power Limitations ON Business TAX Impositions
Navigating Tax Disputes: The Proper Legal Remedy for Assessment Protests in the Philippines
Learn the correct legal remedy when protesting a local business tax assessment, based on a Supreme Court ruling on the Local Government Code.
Service Fees in Lease Agreements: The Subic Bay Freeport Case on Reciprocal Obligations
When can a lessor collect service fees? The Supreme Court clarifies that service fees require actual rendition of services under reciprocal obligations.
Expropriation for Socialized Housing: Balancing Public Needs and Private Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements local governments must meet before expropriating private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Jurisdiction Over Subdivision Disputes: HLURB vs RTC in Enforcement Actions
Ortigas v. CA clarifies when HLURB has exclusive jurisdiction over subdivision disputes and when the RTC handles local government enforcement cases.
Church Disaffiliation and Corporate Rights: Balancing Religious Freedom and SEC Jurisdiction
A local church's right to disaffiliate from a national church body, and the SEC's jurisdiction over religious corporations, explained.