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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Religious Freedom and Workplace Rules: The Ramadan Office Hours Ruling for Muslim Employees
The Supreme Court explains when religious accommodation in government workplaces is required by law and when it needs legislation.
Eminent Domain and Injunction: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a registered landowner's rights against the government's expropriation claim in Federated Realty v. Republic.
Environmental Law Protecting Watersheds and Enforcing Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on watershed protection, local government authority, and the permanent closure of the San Mateo landfill.
Civil Service Eligibility Requirements for Government Positions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified civil service eligibility rules for government appointments, using the Nazi v. Calingin case as a guide.
Real Property Tax on Government Land: When the Beneficial User Pays
The Supreme Court explains when a government-owned corporation is the "beneficial user" of public land and must pay real property tax.
When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
Expropriation Requires Formal Proceedings Resolutions Alone Cannot Halt Ejectment
A local government's resolution to expropriate property does not suspend an ejectment case. Formal expropriation proceedings must be filed first.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Representation in Barangay Conciliation: Magno v. Jacoba
A lawyer who appeared for a party in barangay conciliation proceedings was fined P5,000 for violating the Local Government Code.
Price Escalation Clauses in Government Contracts: When Renegotiation Timing Matters
Supreme Court ruling on Creser Precision Systems clarifies how often price escalation can take effect under Philippine government contracts.
Why Delayed and Irregular Decisions Cost This Government Lawyer His License
A DARAB adjudicator was suspended for six months for rendering an irregular decision without notice and hearing, violating due process and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Injunction Against Government Interference: Protecting Contractual Advertising Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to protect contractual rights from government interference in advertising agreements.
Breach of Trust: Government Employees, Habitual Absenteeism, and Misuse of Public Funds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual absenteeism and AWOL in government service, explaining penalties and the public trust doctrine.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Manila's Duty to Pay for Expropriated Land
The Supreme Court rules that local governments must promptly pay just compensation for expropriated property, and cannot delay through procedural maneuvers.
Eminent Domain and Timeliness: When Property Owners Lose the Right to Claim Damages Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling explains why property owners who win dismissal of an expropriation case must still act promptly to claim damages.
Public Bidding Discretion: When Government May Reject a Bid Without Court Interference
Supreme Court clarifies government's broad discretion in public bidding awards, protecting decisions absent grave abuse, fraud, or unfairness.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.
Duty Free Philippines v. Mojica: Civil Service, Not Labor Courts, Governs GOCC Employees
Employees of government-owned corporations with original charters must file dismissal cases with the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Navigating Fishpond Leases: The Republic's Discretion vs. Corporate Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when government land reserved for public use can be claimed by private occupants under urban land reform laws.
Taxpayer Standing to Challenge Government Spending: Jumamil v. Cafe
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may challenge local government spending and the limits of declaratory relief in Jumamil v. Cafe.
Due Process Prevails: Dismissal Without Notice and Hearing Is Unlawful
Supreme Court rules that government employees cannot be dismissed for AWOL or poor ratings without prior notice and hearing.
Tax Assessments and Double Jeopardy: Guarding Against Erroneous Government Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of double jeopardy protection in tax assessments, ensuring fair treatment for taxpayers facing repeated government actions.
Eminent Domain and the Valid Offer Rule: Lessons from the Pasig Expropriation Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a local government must make a valid, definite offer before expropriating private property.
Advance Payments and Government Contracts: Fiscal Responsibility in Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court ruling on advance payments in government infrastructure contracts and the limits under PD 1594 and PD 1445.
Local Governments Must Make a Valid Offer Before Expropriation
The Supreme Court nullified Pasig City's expropriation for failing to prove a valid, definite offer to the owner before filing the case.