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.
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.
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.
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.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Fair Value for Delayed Government Takings
When the government delays payment in expropriation, landowners are entitled to more than the property's old value—here's why.
Reconveyance of Land: Protecting Property Rights From Fraudulent Titles in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from government taking without just compensation, and the rules on reconveyance of fraudulently titled property.
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.
Grave Misconduct in Government Procurement: SC Reverses Acquittal of Bataan Officials
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of Bataan officials for grave misconduct in anomalous patrol boat procurement, stressing public trust breach.
BSP Independence Affirmed: Net Profit Calculations and Government Dividends
Supreme Court rules BSP not a GOCC under RA 7656; reserves allowed in computing dividends under its charter.
Understanding Unlawful Detainee Release: Insights From the Marzan Case
A jail officer who releases a detainee without a court order can face graft charges. The Supreme Court explains why in Marzan v. People.
When Judges Face Accountability: The Pajaron Contempt Case Explained
The Supreme Court held a retired judge liable for gross inefficiency and dishonesty over 66 undecided cases, imposing a fine deductible from retirement benefits.
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.
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.
When Can CLOAs Be Cancelled? A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court explains when agrarian reform titles (CLOAs) can be cancelled despite indefeasibility, and which tribunal has jurisdiction.
Malversation and Falsification: What the Cabarios Acquittal Means for Public Officials
The Supreme Court's Cabarios ruling clarifies the proof needed to convict public officials of malversation and falsification of public documents.
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.
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.
COA Concurrence in Hiring Private Counsel: The PNOC-EC Case and New Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when government agencies must secure COA concurrence before hiring private lawyers, and how new rules ease this requirement.
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.
Cockfighting Law: When Local Officials Can Hold Events Outside Licensed Cockpits
Supreme Court clarifies when cockfights may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449, and the limits of Ombudsman discretion.
When Religious Ministers Are Employees: SSS Coverage and the Condonation Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that religious ministers can be SSS-covered employees, clarifying the limits of church-state separation in secular matters.
Cockfighting Regulations in the Philippines: The Bonghanoy Ruling on PD 449
The Supreme Court's Bonghanoy ruling clarifies when cockfighting events for tourists and balikbayans may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449.
Hazard Pay for Public Health Workers: Fixed Rates vs. Legal Mandates
Supreme Court rules on fixed hazard pay rates for public health workers, voiding DOH AO 2006-0011 and excusing refund liability.
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.