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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Former Judge's Conflict of Interest: Ethical Limits After Leaving the Bench
Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former judges and government lawyers accepting cases they previously handled.
City of Manila v. Prieto: Strict Limits on Local Government Expropriation Powers
Supreme Court rules local governments must strictly comply with legal requirements before exercising delegated eminent domain powers.
The Limits of Mandamus: When Courts Can Compel Government Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can compel government action, explaining the limits of mandamus in government contract negotiations.
Government Lawyer's Suspension for Neglect of Duty and Improper Conduct Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a government employee's oversight becomes simple neglect versus conduct prejudicial to the service.
Nepotism in Government: Designation of Relatives Is a Prohibited Appointment
The Supreme Court ruled that designating a relative to government duties—even unpaid or off-plantilla—violates the ban on nepotism.
When Is a Reassigned Employee Considered AWOL? The Villaroman Rule
A reassigned government employee who reports to a different office without authority may still be considered AWOL and validly dropped from the rolls.
Subdivision Gates and Public Roads: The "No Sticker, No ID, No Entry" Policy Explained
Can a homeowners' association restrict entry to subdivision roads donated to the government? The Supreme Court says yes, under certain conditions.
Government Control vs Corporate Structure: Defining Audit Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that government control, not corporate form, determines COA audit jurisdiction over corporations in the Philippines.
Resignation VS Reinstatement When CAN A Government Employee Reverse Course
Can a government employee escape administrative liability by resigning or transferring? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in a recent ruling.
SALN Violations and Government Ethics: Dishonesty vs Simple Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies when SALN omissions amount to dishonesty or mere simple negligence in San Diego v. Fact-Finding Investigation Committee.
CNA Incentive Disallowance Navigating THE Boundaries OF Government Employee Benefits
CNA Incentive Disallowance Upholds the Primacy of MOOE in Government Spending
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA Incentive paid from EAO savings, clarifying that only MOOE may fund such incentives.
Government Agencies and Surety Bonds in Real Property Tax Disputes: The PMO v. CTA Ruling
When can a government agency skip the surety bond in real property tax cases? The Supreme Court clarifies in PMO v. CTA.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Land Title Registration: Proving Government Approval and Continuous Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable, plus continuous possession for registration.
Sugar Restitution Absence of Funds and Government's Obligation to Sugar Producers
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on sugar restitution when funds are absent, and the government's duty to sugar producers under Philippine law.
Good Faith in Government Procurement: Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability
Learn when good faith shields public officials from refunding disallowed benefits, and when it does not, under Philippine law.
Unexcused Absence When Neglect of Duty Leads to Removal From Public Service
Continuous AWOL for 30 working days can lead to dropping from the rolls. Learn the rules and consequences for government employees.
Unexcused Absence When Neglecting Duty Leads to Removal From Public Service
Learn when Philippine courts drop government employees from the rolls for AWOL, and what rights remain after separation.
Bidding Rights No Cause of Action for Disappointed Bidders Under Philippine Law
A contractor overpaid by the government must refund the excess, even if the contract was void for lack of appropriation.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Territorial Boundaries vs. Resource Sharing: Defining LGUs' Share of National Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may claim a share of national wealth, using the Palawan-Camago-Malampaya dispute as the benchmark case.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Dismissal Upheld: Repeated Misconduct Justifies Strict Penalty Despite Length of Service
Court rules repeated misconduct and abandonment of post justify dismissal despite 17 years of service in government.