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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Breach of Contract: DPWH’s Right to Rescind Despite Slippage Thresholds
When can a government agency rescind a construction contract? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on contractual breach and slippage thresholds.
Security of Tenure in Government Service: When Reorganization Is a Ruse for Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court affirms that sham reorganizations violate security of tenure and that mayors acting in bad faith face personal liability for damages.
Reorganization and Demotion: Protecting Employee Rights in Government Restructuring
Learn when a government reorganization results in illegal demotion and how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in restructuring.
Navigating Government Procurement: The Imperative of Protest Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on LRA v. Lanting Security clarifies mandatory protest rules under R.A. 9184 before courts can act.
Standing to Sue: Why Associations Can't Always Fight for Members' Rights in Court
The Supreme Court explains when an association lacks legal standing to challenge a government rule, using a real estate group's failed suit against energy regulations.
Upholding Government Authority When Public Interest Overrides Private Land Claims In Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on expropriation, public interest, and limits of private land claims against government authority.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
PAGCOR v. Fontana: Contracts Bind Government Agencies Too
Supreme Court rules PAGCOR must honor its casino MOA with Fontana, affirming that contracts bind government agencies.
Local Tax Injunctions: Balancing Government Revenue and Taxpayer Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may enjoin local tax collection, balancing government revenue needs with taxpayer rights.
Taxing the Quarry: Delineating the Scope of Local Government Taxing Power Over Mining Operations
A mining firm's extraction of sand and gravel for its own operations is still subject to provincial quarry tax under the Local Government Code.
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.
Island Provinces and the Constitution: The Dinagat Islands Creation Case
The Supreme Court struck down Republic Act No. 9355 creating Dinagat Islands province for failing population and land area requirements under the Local Government Code.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to disallow irregular allowances and expenses of government officials, upholding public purpose requirements.
Reversion of Public Land: Only the Government Can Sue
The Supreme Court rules that only the government, through the Office of the Solicitor General, may file an action for reversion of public land.
Grave Misconduct in the Workplace: Defining the Boundaries of Acceptable Behavior
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual harassment in the workplace constitutes grave misconduct warranting dismissal from government service.
When Is a Public Official "Formally Charged"? Supreme Court Clarifies in Administrative Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government employee is considered "formally charged," ruling that mere complaints pending preliminary investigation do not amount to formal charges.
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.
Employer-Employee Relationship Defines Labor Jurisdiction in Contractual Arrangements
When does a government-owned corporation become liable for a contractor's employees? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules.
When Government Corporations Are Not Employers: The LRTA Case on Labor Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations with original charters fall outside labor arbiter jurisdiction, using the LRTA-METRO case.
Standardized Salaries vs Employee Benefits: Clarifying COLA Integration for Philippine Government Workers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when COLA and similar allowances are deemed integrated into standardized government salaries under R.A. 6758.
Reassignment and RATA: When Government Employees Keep Their Allowance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reassigned local government employee may continue receiving RATA, balancing administrative authority with employee rights.
Right of First Refusal Protects Lessees Over Third-Party Buyers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a lessee's right of first refusal can override a sale to a third party, even a government entity.
Deemed Approved Leave: What Happens When Government Agencies Ignore Leave Applications
When government agencies fail to act on leave applications within five working days, the leave is deemed approved. Learn the rules and protections.