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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Who Pays Real Property Tax When a Government Corporation Assumes a Private Firm's Tax Liability?
The Supreme Court rules on whether NPC can claim tax exemptions for a power plant it does not own or use under a BOT agreement.
Philippine Red Cross Private Status and Constitutional Limits on Lawmakers
Supreme Court ruling on whether the Philippine Red Cross is a government corporation and the constitutional ban on lawmakers holding public office.
Honoraria for Government Procurement: DBM Guidelines Are Mandatory
The Supreme Court ruled that BAC and TWG honoraria under RA 9184 require DBM guidelines; payments before these rules are disallowable.
Real Property Tax: What Counts as Pollution Control Equipment for Exemption
The Supreme Court clarifies when pollution control structures qualify for real property tax exemption under the Local Government Code.
Truthfulness in Personal Data Sheets: Consequences of Dishonesty in Government Employment
A Supreme Court ruling on a court employee's dishonest PDS shows how concealment of past administrative offenses can end a government career.
Falsification of Public Documents and Suspension Pendente Lite Under Anti-Graft Law
Explains when public officers may be suspended pendente lite for falsification of public documents involving fraud upon government funds.
Silencing the Airwaves: When Local Regulations Infringe on Press Freedom
The Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot use permit requirements to silence broadcast media, reaffirming strict scrutiny for content-based restraints on press freedom.
Security of Tenure and Reassignment Limits for Station-Specific Appointments
Supreme Court ruling on reassignment limits for station-specific appointments and security of tenure in government corporations.
Sugar Mill Loans: When Contract Terms Define Government's Right to Recover Funds
Supreme Court ruling on condonation scope in sugar mill loans, clarifying when banks and government can apply deposits to unpaid obligations.
When Reclassified Positions Need New Appointments: Tagaro v. Garcia
The Supreme Court clarifies when position upgrades require new appointments and the consequences of forum shopping in government service disputes.
Retirement Options for Re-Employed Government Employees: When Choice Is Lost
Explaining when a re-employed government retiree loses the right to choose a retirement law, based on Santos v. GSIS.
Forum Shopping AND Security OF Tenure Balancing Equity IN Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies security of tenure for government executives, distinguishing third-level positions and reassignment rules.
Graft and Corruption: Demanding Grease Money for Government Contracts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on demanding grease money for government contracts under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
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.
Year-End Benefits in Government Agencies: Balancing Statutory Limits and Employee Welfare
Supreme Court ruling on year-end benefits for government board members and consultants, balancing statutory limits with good faith.
Falsifying Personal Data Sheets: Dishonesty in Public Service and Its Penalties
The Supreme Court ruled that falsifying entries in a government employee's Personal Data Sheet constitutes dishonesty, but mitigating circumstances may reduce the penalty of dismissal.
Unsatisfactory Performance When CAN A Government Employee BE Dropped From THE Rolls
COA's Power to Audit Public Contracts: Lessons from Lotrim v. Commission on Audit
Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the binding effect of procedural rules in government contract disputes.
Bidding Disputes in Government Projects: Why Courts Won't Second-Guess the BAC
A Supreme Court ruling on government procurement bidding disputes, explaining the proper legal remedies and why courts respect the discretion of bidding authorities.
Bidding Disqualification Upholding Agency Discretion In Government Contracts
The Supreme Court affirms agency discretion in government bidding, explaining protest rules, judicial hierarchy, and the limits of court intervention.
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Construction Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's recovery of overpayment from a government contractor, clarifying quantum meruit limits, due process, and procedural deadlines.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Price of False Entries and Delayed Deposits
A cashier's false cashbook entry and delayed bank deposits amount to dishonesty, warranting dismissal from government service.
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.