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.
Ports Authority vs Private Operators: When Can the Government Operate Directly
Supreme Court ruling on when government agencies can operate ports without franchises, and limits on lower court injunctions.
Falsifying Time Records in Government: The Case of a Court Process Server Dismissed for Dishonesty
A Supreme Court ruling shows how falsified daily time records lead to dismissal for dishonesty, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office.
No Back Salaries for Government Employees Dismissed in Good Faith: Protecting Public Funds
Supreme Court rules government employees dismissed in good faith are not entitled to back salaries upon reinstatement, upholding Octot v. Ybañez.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Defining Limits and Upholding Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes habitual tardiness in government service and why traffic is not a valid excuse.
When Mootness Ends a Case: The ZTE-NBN Project Dispute Before the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court dismissed the consolidated petitions against the ZTE-NBN project as moot after the government abandoned the deal, explaining key limits on judicial power.
Crediting Government Service for Retirement: Defining the Scope of the Civil Service and Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies which government services count for retirement benefits, distinguishing full-time civil service from part-time and non-chartered positions.
Crediting Prior Government Service for Judicial Retirement: Ensuring Fair Pension Benefits
Supreme Court rules prior Sangguniang Bayan service counts toward judges' 20-year retirement requirement under R.A. 910.
Tax Collection vs Right to Appeal: Balancing Government Power and Taxpayer Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when posting a surety bond can suspend real property tax collection and protect taxpayer rights.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Labor Disputes Involving Government Chartered Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that labor disputes in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters fall under the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
When Can a Government Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls for Unsatisfactory Performance?
Philippine law on dropping government employees from the rolls for unsatisfactory performance, and the due process requirements that protect them.
Tenants Rights Voluntary Land Surrender AND Emancipation Patent Validity
When a tenant voluntarily surrenders land to the government, a subsequent emancipation patent is valid. The Supreme Court explains the distinction.
Judicial Longevity PAY CAN Prior Government Service BE Included
Water Districts Are Government-Owned: Anti-Graft Law Applies to Their Officers
Supreme Court rules local water districts are government-owned corporations, so their managers face Anti-Graft Law prosecution for corrupt practices.
Unmasking Behest Loans: Government's Right to Recover Ill-Gotten Wealth Supersedes Prescriptive Timelines
The Supreme Court clarifies that behest loan offenses prescribe only upon discovery, reinforcing the government's power to recover Marcos-era ill-gotten wealth.
Local Taxing Powers vs National Policy: Navotas Cannot Tax Petroleum Sales
Supreme Court rules local governments cannot impose business taxes on petroleum products under (h) of the Local Government Code.
Immediate Possession in Expropriation: Public Purpose Need Not Be Settled First
Supreme Court clarifies that in expropriation cases, a local government may take possession of property upon filing the case and depositing 15% of the tax value, without a prior hearing on public purp
Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine overpayments to government contractors under quantum meruit, and explains when belated jurisdictional challenges are barred.
Pilotage Fees and Government Share: PPA Can Collect Directly from Shipping Lines
Supreme Court ruling on PPA's authority to collect the 10% government share on pilotage fees directly from shipping companies.
Finality Prevails: Condonation of an Audit Disallowance After Supreme Court Affirmation Is Unacceptable
The Supreme Court rules that a final audit disallowance affirmed with finality cannot be condoned by a government agency, upholding COA's execution powers.
When Does a Government Employee's Cash Shortage Become Grave Misconduct?
A Supreme Court ruling explains when cash shortages become grave misconduct and dishonesty in Philippine government service.
Bidding Required Government Contracts Must Ensure Fair Competition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public bidding is mandatory for government service contracts and why negotiated awards violate fair competition.
Preventive Suspension and Backwages of Local Government Employees Under Investigation
When can a suspended local government employee claim backwages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Plaza v. Court of Appeals.
Housing Rights: Actual Occupants Prevail Over Absentee Awardees in Government Projects
Supreme Court rules that absentee awardees cannot keep government housing lots meant for actual occupants, protecting bona fide residents' rights.
Salary Withholding: Balancing Government Interest and Employee Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the government may withhold a public employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply it to the debt.