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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Double Taxation and Local Business Tax: Clarifying Exemptions for Manila Businesses
Supreme Court ruling on double taxation under Manila's tax ordinance, clarifying exemptions for businesses already paying local business tax.
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.
Redundancy, Retrenchment, and Strikes: Lessons from the Hyatt Regency Manila Case
The Supreme Court balances valid downsizing against illegal strikes, explaining redundancy, retrenchment, and quitclaims in the hotel industry.
Mandamus and Manila Bay Cleanup: Defining Ministerial Duties in Environmental Protection
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay, defining environmental duties as ministerial.
Manila Bay Cleanup Case: Ministerial Duties and the Right to a Balanced Ecology
The Supreme Court ruled government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay under environmental laws.
Final Judgments and Set-Off Claims: Manila Banking Corp. v. Rabina
Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, set-off claims, and HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision mortgage disputes.
Balancing Public Welfare and Business Interests: The Manila Oil Depot Relocation Case
The Supreme Court upheld Manila's Ordinance No. 8027, ordering oil companies to relocate from Pandacan, balancing public safety with business interests.
Infrastructure Projects and Injunctions: Balancing Public Interest and Private Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court applied PD 1818 to protect government infrastructure projects from injunctions, using the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway case.
Navigating Traffic: MMDA Authority and the Limits of Executive Action on Metro Manila Bus Terminals
The Supreme Court ruled on the limits of MMDA authority and executive power in ordering the closure of provincial bus terminals along EDSA.
Amendment of Pleadings: When Leave of Court Is Required
Learn when Philippine courts require leave of court for amended pleadings, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Maranan v. Manila Banking Corporation.
Philippine Search Warrants and Territorial Jurisdiction: When Can a Manila Court Order a Search in Cavite
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when courts can issue search warrants outside their territorial jurisdiction.
When a Seafarer's Quitclaim and Delay Bar Disability Claims: The Famanila Case
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's quitclaim is valid and how prescription periods bar late disability claims.
MCIT Grace Period for Reopened Banks: The Manila Banking Corporation Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank that reopens after receivership starts its four-year MCIT grace period under the Tax Code.
Hospitals' Cost-Cutting Measures vs Patient Rights: The Manila Doctors Hospital Case
Supreme Court ruling on when hospitals may remove non-essential facilities from patient rooms without incurring liability for damages.
Publication Requirement for Local Tax Ordinances: Manila Revenue Code Void
Supreme Court affirms that a local tax ordinance published only once, not for three consecutive days, is null and void.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Manila's Duty to Pay for Expropriated Land
The Supreme Court rules that local governments must promptly pay just compensation for expropriated property, and cannot delay through procedural maneuvers.
Morality vs Constitutionality: Manila's Ermita-Malate Ordinance Struck Down
The Supreme Court nullified Manila Ordinance No. 7783 banning motels and similar establishments in Ermita-Malate, ruling it violated due process and property rights.
When Is a Company Liable for an Agent's Unauthorized Acts? The Manila Memorial Park Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is bound by an agent's unauthorized acts, and when third persons must bear the risk.
Control Test vs Independent Contractor: Manila Water Ruling on Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court explains when a contractor is labor-only, not independent, and when workers become regular employees under Philippine labor law.
Expropriation and Due Process: When a City's Power of Eminent Domain Fails
The Supreme Court ruled that the City of Manila violated due process in expropriating private land for housing, failing to exhaust other acquisition modes under RA 7279.
Estoppel in Jurisdiction: Participating in Court Waives Right to Later Challenge It
A party who actively participates in court proceedings cannot later question the court's jurisdiction. Learn the rule from Manila Bankers Life v. Eddy Ng Kok Wei.
Eminent Domain vs Urban Development: Balancing Public Need and Property Rights in Manila
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Ad Placement Errors: When a Publisher Is Not Liable for Non-Publication
Learn from David v. Manila Bulletin when a newspaper is not liable for a failed obituary ad, and how proper ad placement procedures protect both parties.
Holding Judges Accountable Ensuring Timely Justice IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court fined a Manila RTC judge for failing to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period, reaffirming judicial accountability.