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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Squatters Rights vs Government Authority: Eviction and Demolition in the Philippines
Understand when the government can evict and demolish structures, and why squatters cannot claim rights over government-owned land.
DTR Rules and Office Hours for Government Employees: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on falsified DTRs clarifies strict office hours, the 40-hour work week, and flexi-time limits for government employees.
When Must Private Entities Account for Government Funds? Campomanes v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals receiving government funds must render accounts to the COA, and when they cannot be held liable under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
When Government Officials Are Personally Liable for Audit Disallowances
The Supreme Court explains when public officials may be held personally liable for disallowed government expenditures, and when good faith approval is enough.
Navigating Subpoenas: Government Employee Obligations in Ombudsman Investigations
Government employees must comply with Ombudsman subpoenas even if a superior orders otherwise. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
Demolition and Due Process: Understanding Nuisance Per Se in Philippine Law
When can government demolish property without court order? The Supreme Court explains nuisance per se, police power, and the limits of due process.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.
Market Stall Leases No Vested Right Against City's Regulatory Power
Stall leases in public markets are privileges, not vested rights, so local governments may impose new occupancy rules under police power.
Noise as Nuisance When Business Operations Disturb Neighboring Properties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when business noise becomes a legal nuisance and why courts, not local governments, handle abatement cases.
Balancing Property Rights and Public Welfare: When Can the Government Demolish a Structure
The Supreme Court clarifies when the government may demolish structures on public land and the limits of its power.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction: Defining Government-Owned Corporations and Official Authority in Graft Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defined government-owned corporations and official authority for Sandiganbayan jurisdiction in graft cases.
Local Autonomy Prevails Defining Boundary Disputes Between Municipalities AND Highly Urbanized Cities
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that COSLAP lacks jurisdiction over LGU boundary disputes, which belong to sanggunians under the Local Government Code.
Tax Credit Certificates: Government's Right to Collect Taxes Remains Despite Alleged Fraud
Supreme Court ruling on tax credit certificates, government's right to collect taxes, and contractor payment disputes in Philippine construction contracts.
When the Government Must Prove Its Case: Reversion, Free Patents, and the Regalian Doctrine
A Supreme Court ruling on when the government can cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain.
Presidential Approval and Contract Validity: Limits of Executive Power in Philippine Procurement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when presidential approval is required for government contracts and the limits of executive discretion in procurement.
Upholding Land Titles When Government Reversion Claims Fail
When can the government cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain? The Supreme Court explains the limits of reversion actions.
Real Property Tax Refund: Illegality of Assessment and the Proper Claim Procedure
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an invalid real property tax ordinance entitles taxpayers to refunds, but claims must follow the Local Government Code's procedure.
Just Compensation and Due Process: Protecting Landowners from Unjustified Government Taking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation and due process in expropriation cases, protecting landowners' property rights.
Fixed-Term Government Officials: Security of Tenure and Dismissal Rules
Fixed-term officials like the KWF chair enjoy security of tenure. Dismissal requires just cause and due process, as the Supreme Court clarified.
When Can a Government Official Be Held Liable for Omission? The Buenaobra Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer may be held administratively liable for inaction, and the due process rights of non-career service officials.
Barangay vs. Homeowners: Who Administers a Multi-Purpose Hall?
The Supreme Court clarifies the division of authority between barangays and homeowners' associations over government-funded facilities in subdivisions.
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's order for a contractor to return overpayments, clarifying quantum meruit and due process in government audit cases.