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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Public Purpose in Government Loans to Private Entities: The Bawasanta Case
When can local governments lend public funds to private entities? The Supreme Court clarifies the public purpose rule in Bawasanta v. People.
Employer as Bystander in Certification Elections: Lessons from Coca-Cola FEMSA
Supreme Court affirms the bystander rule, barring employers from opposing certification elections and clarifying reorganization's effect on bargaining units.
Freedom of Expression vs Obscenity: The Limits of Local Ordinances in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when courts may review local anti-obscenity ordinances and why facial challenges face strict limits.
Writ of Kalikasan and Environmental Permits: PTK2 H2O Corp. v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms the writ of kalikasan, applying the precautionary principle and upholding the revocation of water permits and ECCs issued without proper environmental assessment.
Due Process in Local Tax Assessments: Lessons from the National Power Corporation Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that local governments must observe due process in tax assessments, as shown in the National Power Corporation case.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Terms: Asian Construction vs Mero Structures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when letters between parties create novation, and when an obligation remains unchanged.
Cockfighting Law: When Local Officials Can Hold Events Outside Licensed Cockpits
Supreme Court clarifies when cockfights may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449, and the limits of Ombudsman discretion.
Intelligence and Confidential Funds: Limits on Local Government Spending
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may use intelligence and confidential funds, and the liability of officials who misuse them.
Understanding the Consequences of Misappropriating Judicial Funds in the Philippines
A Philippine lawyer disbarred for misappropriating client funds in California faces the same fate here. Learn how reciprocal discipline works.
Rehabilitation Courts and Tax Disputes: The Power to Resolve Claims Tied to the Rehabilitation Plan
The Supreme Court clarifies when a rehabilitation court may resolve claims involving local tax disputes, distinguishing incidental claims from those requiring separate actions.
Cable TV Franchise Tax: What the New Vision Ruling Means for Operators
The Supreme Court ruled that NTC-issued certificates of authority are administrative franchises subject to local franchise tax under the Local Government Code.
Land Reclassification and Zoning Ordinances Prevail Over CARP Coverage
When a local government reclassifies land as non-agricultural before June 15, 1988, and the HLURB ratifies it, the property may be exempt from agrarian reform coverage.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Allocation of Incremental Proceeds
The Supreme Court clarifies that retirement plan contributions may be charged against the 70% tuition fee incremental proceeds under RA 6728.
Regulatory Fees vs Taxes: When Local Government Impositions Are Valid
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regulatory fees and taxes in local ordinances, and the burden of proving invalidity.
Understanding CNA Benefits: Who Qualifies and the Consequences of Misallocation
The Supreme Court clarifies CNA incentive eligibility and the liability for granting benefits to non-qualified employees.
Local Business Tax Situs and Jurisdiction: Lessons from the Villanueva v. STEAG Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified local business tax situs and why appeals in local tax cases must go to the CTA, not the CA.
Racist Behavior as Serious Misconduct: What Ocampo v. International Ship Crew Management Means for Philippine
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's racist treatment of crew members justifies dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: The Limits of Advocacy in Corporate Disputes
A lawyer's duty to the court limits zeal for clients. The Supreme Court suspends counsel for evading a TRO in a corporate control fight.
Navigating Corporate Disputes: Lawyer Responsibilities and Ethical Boundaries
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer conduct in corporate board disputes, highlighting duties to courts and ethical limits of advocacy.
Understanding Term Interruptions and the Three-Term Limit Rule for Local Officials
The Supreme Court explains when an Ombudsman dismissal interrupts a local official's term, resetting the three-term limit rule.
Administrative Liability and Business Permits: Lessons from the Kentex Fire Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local officials may be held liable for issuing business permits without fire safety certificates.
When Presiding Officers Are Not Liable for Local Government Disallowances
The Supreme Court clarifies when a vice-governor as presiding officer may be held personally liable for a disallowed local government fund.
Notarial Duties and Document Integrity: Lessons from a Lawyer's Negligence
A lawyer's failure to record a notarized document in the notarial register leads to suspension and revocation of commission.
Residency Rules for Local Candidates: When Incumbency Defeats a Domicile Transfer Claim
The Supreme Court cancels a governor's COC for false residency declaration, clarifying when an incumbent mayor cannot claim a new domicile.