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.
Grave Misconduct and the Limits of Good Faith in Public Service Procurement
Supreme Court clarifies when good faith excuses public officers from grave misconduct in government procurement and acceptance of goods.
COMELEC Can Disqualify Candidates for Indirect Election Fraud: Noveras Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the COMELEC may disqualify a winning candidate for indirect election offenses under Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Good Faith in Philippine Government Contracts
The Supreme Court acquits engineers of graft for lack of evident bad faith, but orders restitution for a phantom fence project.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Property Rights Explained
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of condominium units or parking slots can challenge a writ of possession issued after foreclosure.
When Approving Officers Must Refund Disallowed Amounts: The Net Disallowed Amount Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies that approving officers are liable only for the net disallowed amount, not the full expenditure, when payees are excused.
LRT Concession Supreme Court Upholds Government Authority AND DUE Process IN Public Private Partnerships
The Supreme Court upholds the LRT 1 concession agreement, affirming government authority and due process in public-private partnerships.
Bangsamoro Organic Law Upheld: Supreme Court Affirms Autonomy and Self-Determination
The Supreme Court affirms the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, upholding the right to self-determination and the establishment of the BARMM.
Enforced Disappearance and the Writ of Amparo: What the Tayo Ruling Means
The Supreme Court reaffirms the Writ of Amparo as a remedy for enforced disappearance, holding police accountable for failing to investigate.
Safeguarding Justice: The Judiciary Marshals Act and Its Implementing Rules
The Supreme Court approved the IRR of the Judiciary Marshals Act, creating an armed unit to protect judges and secure the courts.
Real Property Tax Sales: When Must a Taxpayer Deposit Disputed Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies when a taxpayer must deposit disputed funds under Section 267 of the Local Government Code to challenge a tax sale.
VAT Zero-Rating for Renewable Energy: Key Requirements and Implications
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating requirements for renewable energy developers, including DOE endorsement, in Maibarara Geothermal case.
Reconveyance Actions and Fraud Allegations: What a Complaint Must Allege
A reconveyance suit fails if fraud is only alleged in general terms. The Supreme Court explains what a complaint must state.
Using an Alias in the Philippines: When It Becomes a Crime and the Pequero Case
Using a name different from your registered birth name can be a crime. Learn the rules, penalties, and lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Land Expropriation and Title Reconstitution: A Philippine Law Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies how expropriation, reconstituted titles, and res judicata interact in property disputes.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Land Rights After Incomplete Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on expropriation, just compensation, and landowner rights when government fails to pay.
Presidential Approval Required for PCAB Rules: Cooperative Licensing Case
Supreme Court ruling: PCAB regulations on contractor licensing need presidential approval, protecting construction cooperatives from forced incorporation.
Government Procurement: Contract Splitting, Shopping, and Good Faith Liability
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on contract splitting in government procurement, shopping as an alternative mode, and when officials may be excused from returning disallowed amounts.
Native Title vs. Statutory Rights: Land Ownership in Baguio City After the IPRA Exemption Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that Baguio City is exempt from the IPRA, except for native title claims based on time immemorial possession.
Sheriff's Duty of Care: When Neglect in Execution Leads to Dismissal
A sheriff's deviation from Rule 39 execution procedure constitutes simple neglect of duty, warranting dismissal when aggravated by prior offenses.
When Generosity Becomes Misconduct: Ethical Boundaries for Philippine Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public officers face liability for procurement irregularities, and how good faith affects ethical responsibility.
Franking Privilege Misuse: When Court Personnel Face Misconduct Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when misuse of the franking privilege constitutes simple misconduct for court personnel, with key lessons on official resources.
Inordinate Delay in Administrative Cases: The Right to Speedy Disposition After Llevares
Explore how the Supreme Court's Llevares ruling protects public officials from inordinate delay in administrative cases, and what this means for your rights.
Renewable Energy VAT Refunds: What Hedcor v. CIR Means for Philippine Developers
The Supreme Court clarifies when renewable energy developers can claim VAT refunds under of the NIRC versus seeking reimbursement from suppliers.
Solidary Liability in Construction Contracts: When LWUA Shares Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when LWUA can be held solidarily liable with water districts for construction contract obligations.