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.
Judicial Immunity and the Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Agrarian Compensation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may directly sue for just compensation despite the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine.
Filing Money Claims Against Government: Lessons from a Dismissed Flood Damage Case
The Supreme Court affirms COA's denial of P122-million flood damage claims against DPWH, citing prescription, laches, and the state's immunity from suit.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Examining Corruption Allegations Against Judges and Justices
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to appoint Sandiganbayan justices and the limits of judicial review in quo warranto cases.
Taxation and Freeport Zones: The Limits of Executive Power in Revenue Regulation
The Supreme Court strikes down a revenue regulation imposing VAT and excise tax on freeport zone importations, affirming that tax exemptions cannot be revoked by executive issuance.
Enforcement of Government Contracts: Recovery Allowed Despite Lack of Funds Certification
Supreme Court allows contractor recovery for government equipment leases despite missing funds certification, citing quantum meruit and equity.
Securities Deposit Immunity Protecting Policyholders Interests IN Insurance Contracts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects policyholders' interests through the securities deposit immunity rule in insurance contracts.
Third Party Beneficiaries and Compromise Agreements: When Excluded Parties Cannot Claim Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise agreements benefit only named parties, not excluded third parties under stipulation pour autrui.
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.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Employee Misappropriation Is Not Estafa (Benabaye Doctrine)
The Supreme Court in Benabaye v. People clarifies when an employee's misappropriation of funds is theft, not estafa, based on possession.
Balancing Public Safety and Private Property Access Rights on Limited Access Highways
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property owners' rights to access limited access highways like NLEX, balancing police power and private interests.
Sovereign Immunity and Environmental Responsibility: Jurisdiction in the Tubbataha Reef Case
The Supreme Court clarifies sovereign immunity limits and environmental accountability in the USS Guardian grounding at Tubbataha Reefs.
Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails in Protecting the State's Interest in Prosecuting Corruption
Supreme Court rules courts should defer to Ombudsman's grant of immunity to state witnesses in corruption cases, protecting prosecutorial discretion.
Judicial Immunity: When CAN Judges Be Held Liable for Their Decisions?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial immunity and when judges may face administrative liability for their rulings.
Invasion of Privacy, Diplomats, and the Limits of Official Duty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on diplomatic residence privacy, damages for invasion of privacy, and procedural rules in Rule 45 petitions.
Diplomatic Immunity vs Personal Accountability: The Limits of Privilege
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on diplomatic immunity, privacy rights, and personal liability for damages under the Civil Code.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Substantial Evidence in Amparo and Habeas Data Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for amparo and habeas data petitions, balancing national security concerns with individual liberty.
When Can You Sue the Philippine Government? The ATO Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains when government agencies can be sued, distinguishing sovereign from proprietary functions in the Air Transportation Office case.
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 Review and Abuse of Discretion: Safeguarding Rights in Administrative Penalties
A look at Laurel v. SSS on when Rule 65 certiorari is the correct remedy against final administrative penalties.
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.
Bidding Integrity Strict Compliance Prevails Over Agency Discretion In Government Procurement
Supreme Court nullifies a government contract award where the winning bid failed technical specifications, reaffirming strict compliance in public bidding.
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.
When a Sheriff's Excuses Fail: Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts
A deputy sheriff's repeated failure to serve court processes leads to one-year suspension, clarifying standards of diligence for court personnel.
When Court Employees Fail Their Duty: The Madolaria Administrative Case
A deputy sheriff's repeated failures to serve court processes led to a one-year suspension, reinforcing the strict standards for judicial employees.