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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Fare Adjustments and Due Process: Public Participation in Philippine Rail Fare Setting
The Supreme Court ruled on whether notice and hearing are required before the government can raise LRT and MRT fares, clarifying due process in rate-fixing.
Tax Evasion in the Philippines: When Can the Government Collect Without an Assessment
The Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can collect deficiency taxes without a formal assessment in criminal tax evasion cases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer Cases
When a corporation's registration is revoked, its assets don't automatically pass to a new entity. Learn the real party in interest rule.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Litis Pendentia and Final Judgment: Preventing Relitigation of Property Ownership
A final ruling on property ownership in one case bars a later suit on the same issue, even if the form of action differs.
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 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.