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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Navigating Fare Adjustments: The Syjuco Ruling on DOTC Rate-Setting Powers
The Supreme Court upholds DOTC's fare-setting authority for LRT and MRT, clarifying notice and hearing requirements for rate adjustments.
Judicial Misconduct: SC Fines Judge P700K for Ignoring CA Injunction and Bias
The Supreme Court fined a Davao judge P700,000 for gross ignorance, abuse of authority, and partiality in a DBCP execution case.
Writ of Kalikasan Requires Concrete Evidence, Not Speculation: Water for All Refund Movement Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that a Writ of Kalikasan demands concrete evidence of environmental harm, not mere speculation or unsubstantiated allegations.
Writ of Kalikasan: Supreme Court Requires Concrete Evidence, Not Mere Allegations
The Supreme Court clarifies that Writ of Kalikasan petitioners must present concrete evidence linking a defendant's acts to environmental damage, not just allegations.
Valuing Just Compensation: The Time of Taking and Factors Under CARP Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for CARP-acquired lands is valued—at the time of taking, using Section 17 factors.
Docket Fees and Class Suits: When Philippine Courts Lack Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to pay docket fees and improper class suits deprive trial courts of jurisdiction over a case.
When Can a Provincial Legal Officer Represent a Governor? A Disbarment Case Guide
The Supreme Court reprimands a provincial legal officer for unauthorized practice of law in representing a governor before the Ombudsman.
Conflict of Interest: When Can a Government Lawyer Represent a Public Official in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government lawyer's representation of a public official becomes a conflict of interest and unauthorized practice of law.
Mootness in Quo Warranto: How Ownership Rulings Affect Voting Rights
The Supreme Court explains when quo warranto cases become moot and how ownership rulings affect voting rights over sequestered shares.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Justice and Efficiency in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay by the Ombudsman violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, resulting in dismissal.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Individual Rights and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of graft charges due to the Ombudsman's inordinate delay, clarifying the right to speedy disposition.
Excise Tax on Alkylate: When Tax Laws Are Interpreted in Favor of Taxpayers
The Supreme Court ruled alkylate is not subject to excise tax under the NIRC, applying strict construction of tax laws in favor of taxpayers.
Probating a Foreign Will in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn the formalities for probating foreign wills in the Philippines, from a landmark Supreme Court case on foreign law proof.
Balancing Local Autonomy and National Law: The Limits of Municipal Power Over Water Resources
The Supreme Court nullified Batangas City's desalination ordinance, ruling that local governments cannot regulate water resources already governed by national law.
Architects vs Engineers: Who Can Sign Building Plans in the Philippines?
Supreme Court ruling on whether civil engineers may prepare, sign, and seal architectural documents under the National Building Code and Architecture Act.
Procurement Rules Family Ties Dont Always Taint THE Deal
Supreme Court clarifies that disclosure-of-relations rules under procurement law apply only to competitive bidding, not to Shopping.
Agrarian Reform Land Transfer Ban: What Beneficiaries and Buyers Must Know
Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year ban on selling agrarian reform lands, the void sale rule, and the buyer's right to recover payment.
Government Disallowances: When Good Faith Excuses the Return of Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith excuses public officers from returning disallowed funds, applying the Madera rules on return.
Discernment in Juvenile Justice: Key Lessons from CICL XXX vs. People
Understand how Philippine courts determine a minor's discernment and criminal liability, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in CICL XXX vs. People.
Bunkhouse Residency and Voter Registration: The Bascon Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court affirms that workers living in employer-provided bunkhouses can establish voter residency, provided they meet legal requirements.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
When Does Filing a Complaint Against a Former Client Create a Conflict of Interest
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against a lawyer who sued his former client, clarifying when using confidential information creates a conflict of interest.
Winning the Lottery Without a Ticket: Contract Law and Games of Chance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that a damaged lotto ticket doesn't bar winning the jackpot if the bettor proves selecting the winning combination.
When a Land Dispute Is Not an Agrarian Dispute: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are civil cases, not agrarian disputes, in DAR v. Lapanday Foods.