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.
Libel Venue in the Philippines: Where Can a Public Official File a Case?
Learn the rules on libel venue for public officials under the Revised Penal Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Regulating Psychologists: When Professional Standards Meet Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the 100-hour training requirement for psychologists seeking registration without examination under RA 10029.
Government Contracts: Due Process in Hiring Legal Retainers and COA Disallowances
SC ruling on PhilRice legal retainer case clarifies due process, concurrence requirements, and liability for disallowed government contract payments.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Law: Proving Unlawful Aggression for Justification
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine criminal law.
Customs Jurisdiction and Forum Shopping in Importation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies CTA jurisdiction over customs seizure cases and when forum shopping does not apply in importation disputes.
Power Lines and Public Lands: Supreme Court Clarifies Easements and Just Compensation
The Supreme Court ruled that power lines fall under "similar works" in the Public Land Act, allowing easements on free patent lands with compensation rules.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Proving Your Case in the Philippines
When is a resignation not voluntary? Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal dismissal from resignation and who bears the burden of proof.
Protecting the Environment: The Writ of Kalikasan and Environmental Impact Assessments
The Supreme Court explains how the writ of kalikasan protects the right to a balanced ecology and why Environmental Impact Statements are crucial.
Freedom of Expression vs Obscenity: The Limits of Local Ordinances in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when courts may review local anti-obscenity ordinances and why facial challenges face strict limits.
Writ of Kalikasan and Environmental Permits: PTK2 H2O Corp. v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms the writ of kalikasan, applying the precautionary principle and upholding the revocation of water permits and ECCs issued without proper environmental assessment.
Income Tax vs. Stock Transaction Tax: Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that stock transaction tax is a percentage tax, not income tax, limiting exemptions under the NIRC.
Ancestral Domain Disputes Between Same Indigenous Community: NCIP Jurisdiction Explained
When both parties belong to the same indigenous cultural community, the NCIP—not regular courts—has jurisdiction over ancestral domain disputes.
Understanding Preventive Suspension in Philippine Administrative Law: Rights and Remedies
Learn the rules on preventive suspension in Philippine administrative law, including grounds, duration, and the rights of public officers facing investigation.
Public Office as Public Trust: Lessons from the Deputy Ombudsman Administrative Case
The Supreme Court's ruling against a former Deputy Ombudsman clarifies the administrative offenses of neglect, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: How Selling Price Affects Land Valuation
The Supreme Court clarifies how selling price data should be used in computing just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Understanding Share Redemption in Public Utilities: Insights from Philippine Legal Precedents
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on share redemption in public utilities, examining PLDT's preferred share buyback and its legal implications.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory SOCE Filing Deadline, Balances Rule of Law with Equity
The Supreme Court ruled COMELEC gravely abused discretion in extending the SOCE filing deadline, but applied the operative fact doctrine.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
Habitual Tardiness in Philippine Government Service: When Is It a Light Offense?
The Supreme Court clarifies when habitual tardiness is a light offense, not a grave one, in a 2021 ruling.
New Mayor’s Power to Withdraw Predecessor’s Motion: Berces v. CSC
Can a new mayor withdraw an administrative appeal filed by a predecessor? The Supreme Court clarifies succession, finality, and misconduct rules.
PhilHealth Personnel as Public Health Workers: The UHC Act's Curative Effect on Benefits
The Supreme Court confirms PhilHealth personnel are public health workers entitled to hazard, subsistence, and laundry allowances under RA 7305.
Understanding Retroactive Application of Regulatory Resolutions Impact on Electric Cooperatives in the Philipp
This article explains the Supreme Court's ruling on the 120-day period for VAT refund claims and how BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03 affects electric cooperatives and taxpayers.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor in Real Estate: The Four-Fold Test Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when real estate sales agents are employees or independent contractors, and why the distinction matters.
Accountability in Public Infrastructure: When COA Disallowances Become Final
Supreme Court clarifies when COA decisions on disallowed government projects become final and when officials may be held liable.