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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Gambling Debts and Casino Chips: When a Junket Player Cannot Collect
A Korean high roller loses bid to redeem US$2.1 million in casino chips from PAGCOR. Learn the legal rules on gambling debts.
Fighting Corruption Why Government Contracts Must BE Above Board
Why PAGCOR's tax exemption in Acesite v. CIR shields contractors from VAT—and what this means for government procurement transparency.
VAT Exemption for PAGCOR Transactions: What Acesite Means for Philippine Businesses
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that services to PAGCOR are zero-rated VAT, sparing suppliers from paying the 10% tax.
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.
Security of Tenure vs. Loss of Trust: Defining Confidential Employees at PAGCOR
Supreme Court ruling on PAGCOR employees' security of tenure, confidential positions, and loss of trust and confidence as grounds for dismissal.
PAGCOR Franchise Limits, Delegation, and Mootness in Constitutional Challenges
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR cannot delegate its franchise, and explains when constitutional challenges become moot.
Back Wages and Illegal Dismissal: What Salas v. PAGCOR Means for Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to back wages even if later found guilty of separate administrative charges.
PAGCOR v. Rilloraza: When Is an Employee Dismissal for Misconduct Valid?
Supreme Court explains when workplace misconduct justifies dismissal and when it is only simple neglect of duty, with security of tenure protected.
Del Mar v. PAGCOR: The Scope of PAGCOR's Franchise and Jai-Alai Operations
The Supreme Court ruled PAGCOR's franchise under P.D. 1869 does not include operating jai-alai, a gambling activity requiring express legislative grant.
PAGCOR’s Authority Unveiled: Navigating the Limits of Gambling Franchises in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules PAGCOR’s franchise covers gambling casinos, not jai-alai. A landmark case on legislative franchises.
Tax Exemption Boundaries: PAGCOR Privileges and the Perils of Misrepresentation
Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR's tax exemption on importations does not automatically extend to concessionaires, and warns against fraudulent claims.
When Sequestration Does Not Oust Trial Courts: PAGCOR v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sequestration alone does not strip regular courts of jurisdiction over ownership disputes involving sequestered assets.
Confidential Employees and Security of Tenure: What PAGCOR v. Salas Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies that a position's actual functions, not its legal label, determine if an employee is truly confidential.