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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Boundary Disputes and Local Autonomy: Clarifying Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies which body settles boundary disputes between LGUs in Metro Manila, and when courts may intervene.
Real Property Tax: What Counts as Pollution Control Equipment for Exemption
The Supreme Court clarifies when pollution control structures qualify for real property tax exemption under the Local Government Code.
Silencing the Airwaves: When Local Regulations Infringe on Press Freedom
The Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot use permit requirements to silence broadcast media, reaffirming strict scrutiny for content-based restraints on press freedom.
Three-Term Limit: Voluntary Relinquishment vs. Interruption in Public Office
When a local official wins a higher post mid-term, does the three-term limit reset? The Supreme Court clarifies in Bolos v. COMELEC.
Navigating the Boundaries of Forum Shopping: Ensuring Integrity in Legal Advocacy
A lawyer's filing of two annulment cases raises forum shopping questions. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule and its limits.
Newspaper Circulation and Foreclosure: Ensuring Public Notice in Property Sales
Supreme Court nullifies foreclosure sale because notice was published in a newspaper not circulated in the city where the property was located.
Upholding Attorneys Duty Ethical Limits IN Advocating FOR A Clients Cause
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegally dismissed employees who are not faultless may receive separation pay but no backwages.
Franchise Tax Exemptions: Scope and Limits for Telecom Companies
The Supreme Court clarifies when "in lieu of all taxes" clauses in telecom franchises do not exempt companies from local business taxes.
Defining the Employer: Coca-Cola's Control Over Contracted Salesmen
When is a contractor a labor-only contractor? The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability and control over contracted salesmen.
Revocability of Irrevocable Powers of Attorney: Agrarian Reform Limits on Tenant Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when an irrevocable power of attorney over agrarian reform land may still be challenged and revoked.
Breaking the Chain: How Involuntary Interruptions Allow a Fourth Term Despite Term Limits
The Supreme Court explains when an involuntary break in service resets the three-term limit for local officials under Philippine law.
Breach of Preliminary Attachment: Officials Liable for Undue Injury Under RA 3019
Supreme Court rules local officials who released retention money despite a writ of preliminary attachment face criminal liability under RA 3019.
Provocation and Intent When a Fistfight Leads to Unexpected Consequences
A lucky punch in a fistfight caused death. The Court ruled on provocation, intent, and mitigating circumstances in homicide.
Residency Requirements for Dual Citizens in Philippine Elections: Establishing Domicile of Choice
How the Supreme Court ruled on residency requirements for dual citizens running for local office in the Philippines.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
Allocation of Fiscal Duties: Demarcating the Authority of the City Accountant vs Treasurer in Funds Certificat
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinct fiscal duties of the city accountant and city treasurer in certifying fund availability for appointments.
When Sangguniang Approval Is Needed for Local Government Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local chief executives need sanggunian approval before signing contracts binding their LGUs to new obligations.
Sheriffs Duty Balancing Execution AND Reporting Obligations IN Philippine LAW
A notary public who fails to verify identity before notarizing documents faces suspension and revocation of commission.
When Supreme Court Rulings Clarify Procedural Rules: The Bagabuyo Case on Legislative Reapportionment
The Supreme Court in Bagabuyo v. COMELEC clarifies that legislative reapportionment does not require a plebiscite, unlike the division of local government units.
Negligence in Notarial Acts: Upholding the Integrity of Public Documents and the Duty of Due Diligence
A notary's failure to verify identity led to a three-month suspension and revocation of notarial commission. Learn the rules.
Legislative Apportionment vs Local Autonomy: When a Plebiscite Is Not Required
Supreme Court clarifies that legislative reapportionment of a city into two districts does not require a plebiscite, distinguishing it from dividing a local government unit.
Cityhood Denied: How Income Requirements Protect Local Governments
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement of uniform criteria in the Local Government Code.
Legality of Appointments: Balancing Appointee Rights and Preventing Midnight Appointments
The Supreme Court clarifies who may challenge a disapproved appointment and explains why the midnight-appointment ban does not bind local executives.
Upholding Court Dignity Limits to Criticism in Legal Advocacy
Court explains how criticism of judges must remain respectful; reckless attacks undermine judicial integrity and may be penalized.