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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When Can Government Agencies Be Sued? The ATO Case on Tax and Sovereign Immunity
Explaining when Philippine government agencies can be sued, using the Air Transportation Office case on property tax disputes.
Judicial Ethics and Public Trust: When Government Cannot Hide Behind State Immunity
Supreme Court ruling on state immunity, quantum meruit, and why government contractors deserve payment for completed public works.
Upholding Immunity Agreements: The Government's Duty to Honor Its Word
In Disini v. Sandiganbayan, the Supreme Court held that the Republic must honor an immunity agreement it freely entered into with a witness.
Municipal Immunity vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Interest and Private Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when local governments can be sued on contracts and why their properties remain protected from attachment.
Judicial Immunity and Unsubstantiated Administrative Complaints Against Judges
Philippine courts dismiss administrative complaints against judges when the allegations are unsupported and the acts complained of are judicial in nature.
Tax Amnesty vs Documentary Stamp Tax: When Can a Bank Claim Immunity
Supreme Court rules on DST liability for special savings accounts and whether tax amnesty covers deficiency assessments.
Judicial Immunity When CAN Judges BE Held Liable FOR Reckless Acts
Amnesty Limits in the Olalia Murder Case: Political Belief vs Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that amnesty grants are limited to crimes disclosed in applications, not blanket immunity from prosecution.
Government Immunity VS Erroneous Cost Assessment Clarifying THE States Protection IN Legal Disputes
Suing the Government: Understanding State Immunity in the Philippines
A pharmaceutical company's bid dispute clarifies when government officials can be sued despite state immunity.
Tax Exemption vs Beneficial Use: GSIS Charter and Local Government Code Conflict
When does GSIS lose its tax exemption? The Supreme Court clarifies how the Local Government Code limits the GSIS charter's tax immunity.
Judicial Immunity Shielding Judges From Baseless Administrative Complaints
When can judges be disciplined for erroneous rulings? The Supreme Court clarifies judicial immunity and the limits of administrative complaints.
Challenging Anti-Graft Law: Balancing Due Process and Public Accountability
The Supreme Court upholds Section 5 of RA 3019 against vagueness challenges, clarifying rules on repetitive motions, prescription, and immunity.
Judicial Immunity: When Judges Cannot Be Sued for Official Acts
The Supreme Court dismissed an administrative complaint against three Sandiganbayan justices, reaffirming that judges are shielded from suits over official acts done in good faith.
Sovereign Immunity Contracts With Foreign States AND Waiver OF Immunity
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic of Indonesia v. Vinzon on foreign sovereign immunity, waiver clauses, and embassy maintenance contracts.
Immunity From Prosecution for Witnesses in Vote-Buying Cases Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when vote-selling witnesses gain immunity from prosecution under RA 6646, protecting those who expose vote-buying.
Presidential Immunity vs Accountability: Limits of Power After Leaving Office
The Supreme Court clarifies that presidential immunity shields sitting presidents from suit, but accountability resumes once they leave office.
Diplomatic Immunity Slander and the Limits of Protection for International Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not crimes like slander.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
The People vs the President: Defining the Limits of People Power and Presidential Immunity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Estrada v. Desierto clarifies resignation, presidential succession, and immunity from suit under the 1987 Constitution.
Custodia Legis and State Immunity Protect DENR Seizures of Timber-Laden Vehicles
When DENR seizes vehicles for illegal timber, they enter custodia legis and cannot be replevied; suits against DENR officers are suits against the State.
State Immunity vs Personal Liability: Defining the Limits of Official Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials can be sued personally despite state immunity, using the Lansang v. Court of Appeals case.
Legislative Immunity
When Prison Bars the Legislative Seat: Jalosjos and the Limits of Congressional Immunity
The Supreme Court ruled that a convicted congressman cannot claim parliamentary immunity to attend sessions while detained for a non-bailable offense.