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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Dishonesty Beyond Duty: Upholding Dismissal in PAGCOR Case
The Supreme Court ruled that dishonesty need not be work-related to justify dismissal from government service, affirming PAGCOR's dismissal of a branch manager.
Breach of Contract: Enforcing Penalty Clauses in Government Projects
Explaining when penalty clauses bind contractors in government projects, based on a Supreme Court ruling on DBP and PD 1594.
Official Duty vs Criminal Liability: Defining Boundaries in Government Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for anomalous government transactions despite claims of mere ministerial duty.
Presidential Approval Required for Government Vehicle Purchases: DBP v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of DBP's vehicle purchases for lack of presidential approval under LOI 667 and Letter of Implementation No. 29.
Probation and Electoral Eligibility: Resolving Conflicts Between the Probation Law and Local Government Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that probationers who have not served their sentence are not disqualified from running for local office under the Local Government Code.
Corporate Asset Purchases and Prior Presidential Approval: DBP v. COA
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in DBP v. COA on prior presidential approval for government corporate vehicle purchases and disallowance.
Substandard Deliveries in Government Contracts: When Penalties Apply
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a milling contractor can be held liable for substandard rice deliveries under government contracts.
Eminent Domain by LGUs: Why an Ordinance Is Required, Not Just a Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court rules a mere resolution cannot authorize a local government's expropriation; an ordinance is required under the Local Government Code.
Contempt of Court and Administrative Dismissals: Balancing Executive Action and Judicial Process
When can a government official be cited for contempt for implementing an administrative dismissal pending appeal? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Estoppel Against the Philippine Government: When It Does Not Apply in Land Registration Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when the government cannot be estopped from challenging void land registration judgments, even after decades of delay.
Laches and Indigenous Land Rights: When Delaying a Claim Can Cost You Everything
A Supreme Court ruling shows that laches can bar recovery of ancestral land, even when a sale lacked required government approval.
MIAA vs Parañaque: When Local Governments Cannot Tax National Assets
The Supreme Court ruled that MIAA's airport lands are exempt from local real estate tax because MIAA is a government instrumentality, not a GOCC.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.
Dismissal for Dishonesty, Habitual Absences and Immoral Conduct in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling reminds public servants that dishonesty, habitual absenteeism and immoral conduct are separate grounds for dismissal from government service.
Second Chances in Law: Lifting Suspension and Releasing Leave Credits After Misconduct
The Supreme Court lifts a dismissed lawyer's suspension and orders release of leave credits, but keeps the ban on government re-employment.
Tax Exemption vs Beneficial Use: GSIS Charter and Local Government Code Conflict
When does GSIS lose its tax exemption? The Supreme Court clarifies how the Local Government Code limits the GSIS charter's tax immunity.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why You Must First Navigate Government Channels
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why bidders must exhaust administrative remedies under R.A. 9184 before going to court.
Revoking Mining Rights: Strict Compliance and Government Authority Over Natural Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permit validity, agency, assignment requirements, and government power over forest reserves.
Land Acquisition and Just Compensation: Proving Government Taking in Agrarian Reform
Landowner's claim for just compensation fails because she failed to prove actual government taking under agrarian reform laws.
NPC Franchise Tax Case: Local Governments Can Tax Government Corporations
The Supreme Court ruled that provinces may impose franchise tax on government-owned corporations like NPC under the Local Government Code.
When Government Salaries Can Be Withheld: The Santiago COA Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may withhold a government employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply the withheld amounts.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Understanding Your Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court applies due process in administrative proceedings and what rights individuals have when facing government actions.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies with the COA: A Prerequisite for Money Claims Against Government Agencies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that money claims against government agencies must first be filed with the COA before going to court.
The High Cost of Dishonesty: Falsifying Credentials in Philippine Government Service
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes falsified credentials in government service, and what this means for public officials and employees.