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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Taxing Charity: Real Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Hospitals in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals qualify for real property tax exemptions under the Constitution and Local Government Code.
Productivity Incentives Government Employees VS Private Sector Benefits
SC rules on whether GOCC employees with original charters may receive productivity incentives under RA 6971.
When Government Action Excuses Contractual Performance: Force Majeure in Philippine Law
Philippine law on force majeure and how government acts may excuse contractual performance, explained for everyday readers.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Accountability FOR Unauthorized USE OF Government Vehicles
Leave Credits Survive Dismissal: The Paredes v. Padua Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissed government employees keep earned leave credits, even when retirement benefits are forfeited.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld
Supreme Court affirms COA's power to recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit, even in void contracts.
Retirement Benefits, Creditable Service, and the Limits of Tacking in Government-Owned Corporations
A look at how the Supreme Court clarified the rules on retirement benefits, creditable service, and the limits of tacking in government-owned corporations.
Dismissal for Dishonesty: Falsifying Credentials in Government Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court employee who falsified educational credentials in Personal Data Sheets to gain promotions.
Anonymous Complaints and Civil Service Discipline: Ensuring Fair Process in Government Oversight
When can anonymous complaints trigger civil service discipline? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on initiating administrative cases against government employees.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Correct Remedy Against Government Decisions
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and that the remedy against many agency decisions is a timely petition for review.
Freedom to Contract vs Equity: When Government Sales Require Perfected Agreements
Supreme Court rules equity cannot compel a government sale without a perfected contract, applying Civil Code principles.
Freedom to Contract vs Equity: No Perfected Contract, No Forced Sale of Government Property
Supreme Court rules equity cannot compel the National Housing Authority to sell land without a perfected contract of sale.
Perfecting Contracts: Why a Clear Notice of Award Is Essential Under Philippine Law
Learn why a clear notice of award is crucial in perfecting government contracts under Philippine procurement law and avoiding disputes.
Reassignment Without Consent: Security of Tenure for Philippine Civil Servants
When can a government employee be reassigned against their will? The Supreme Court's ruling in Cariño v. Daoas explains the limits of transfer powers.
Upholding Barangay Dispute Resolutions Enforceability AND Timeframes FOR Amicable Settlements
The Supreme Court clarifies when barangay amicable settlements become final and how the six-month execution period under the Local Government Code should be counted.
Absence of Prior Appraisal Does Not Void Onerous Donation by Local Government
Supreme Court rules that a local government's onerous donation without prior appraisal is valid, applying contract law over procedural requirements.
Staple Food Incentive: Allowance or Financial Assistance Under the Salary Standardization Law
Supreme Court clarifies when government-issued staple food incentives count as financial assistance under R.A. 6758, and when refunds are required.
Eminent Domain and Reversion: Balancing Public Purpose and Landowner Rights
When government abandons an expropriated property's public purpose, can former owners get it back? The Supreme Court explains.
Jurisdiction Over Civil Service Disputes: The CSC's Exclusive Role
Learn why the Civil Service Commission, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over personnel disputes involving government employees.
Back Wages and Security of Tenure: Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal in the Philippine Civil Service
Learn when illegally dismissed government employees can claim back wages, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure.
Meralco's Tax Dispute: Defining Assessment and Collection in Real Property Tax Law
A landmark ruling clarifies the distinction between assessment and collection in real property tax, shaping how local governments enforce tax liabilities.
Upholding Impartiality: The Supreme Court on Fair Case Raffling and Judicial Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms COA's ban on auditors receiving local government allowances, preserving audit independence and integrity under RA 6758.
Presidential Authority to Reorganize Government Agencies: Balancing Efficiency and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains when the President may validly reorganize executive agencies and what protections employees retain during streamlining.
Tax Exemptions for Government Corporations: The Philippine Ports Authority Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations like the PPA must pay local taxes, and when they cannot change legal theories on appeal.