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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Taxing Times: Government Instrumentalities and Real Property Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like airport authorities are exempt from local real property taxes.
Government Contracts and Procurement: Why Funding Rules and Indispensable Parties Matter
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on local government loans, procurement funding requirements, and the need to implead indispensable parties in taxpayer suits.
When Public Interest Meets Private Contracts: The SM Land v. BCDA Ruling on Development Projects
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies cannot cancel accepted unsolicited proposals by invoking public interest, upholding contractual obligations.
Due Process and Administrative Investigations: The Limits of Certiorari
When can a government official question a show cause order through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of this remedy.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Healthcare Allowances for Government Employees: Defining a Health Program Under the Law
The Supreme Court disallowed TESDA's P5,000 healthcare allowance, ruling that a health program under CSC rules cannot be converted into cash without presidential approval.
Tax Collection: Government's Right to Collect Taxes Limited by Prescription
Supreme Court rules BIR's right to collect assessed taxes prescribes in three years; inaction bars collection.
Unauthorized Legal Representation Government Officials Liability FOR Private Counsel Fees
Cashier Liability for Robbery Losses: Negligence Bars Relief from Accountability
A cashier who negligently keeps government funds outside a vault remains liable for robbery losses, the Supreme Court ruled.
Standardized Salaries vs Additional Compensation: Navigating Government Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may receive allowances beyond standardized salaries under RA 6758, the Salary Standardization Law.
Grave Misconduct in Public Office: Upholding Ethical Standards in Government Service
Supreme Court clarifies grave misconduct standards, reinstating Ombudsman's dismissal of GSIS executive for irregular surety bond issuance.
PEZA Exempt From Local Property Taxes: Key SC Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled PEZA is exempt from real property taxes as a government instrumentality. Learn the legal basis and implications.
PEZA Tax Exemption: Instrumentality of National Government and Real Property Tax
Supreme Court rules PEZA is exempt from real property tax as an instrumentality of the national government, clarifying local taxing limits.
When Good Faith Can't Excuse Ignoring Red Flags in Government Projects
Supreme Court explains when courts can't stop government projects and why permits are privileges, not property rights.
Moral Turpitude and Falsification: Defining the Boundaries of Public Trust
The Supreme Court rules that falsification of a Personal Data Sheet is a crime involving moral turpitude, warranting dismissal from government service.
Government Infrastructure Projects: Restrictions on Injunctive Relief Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects under RA 8975.
Physician's Duty in Childbirth: Grave Misconduct for Negligent Delivery
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of government doctor for grave misconduct in childbirth, holding physicians must personally attend high-risk deliveries.
Government Reorganization: Security of Tenure vs Legislative Authority
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on ATO abolition, hold-over status, and security of tenure in government reorganizations.
Balancing Public Infrastructure and Private Property: Limits on Preliminary Injunctions
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects under R.A. 8975.
Voting Rights of Sequestered Shares: Balancing Government Oversight and Corporate Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies the voting rights of sequestered shares under the Presidential Commission on Good Government's oversight.
Government Contracts Upholding Competitive Bidding In Public Private Joint Ventures
Supreme Court ruling on SM Land vs BCDA: government agencies cannot unilaterally abort a competitive challenge under NEDA JV Guidelines.
Appraisal Value vs. Foreclosure: Property Valuation Disputes in Mortgage Foreclosure
When can courts override government appraisals in agrarian reform? The Supreme Court clarifies just compensation rules and valuation standards.
Breach OF Trust Establishing Conspiracy IN Qualified Theft Among Government Employees
When Can Government Agencies Appeal Labor Case Decisions: Standing Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies standing rules for government agencies appealing labor case decisions, with practical guidance for litigants.