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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Homeowner Rights vs Developer Authority Clarifying Subdivision Regulations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a homeowner's Torrens title can be subdivided, and a bank's liability for releasing a mortgaged owner's duplicate certificate.
Tax Assessment Validity: Strict Requirements for Waivers of the Statute of Limitations
Philippine Journalists, Inc. v. CIR clarifies that waivers of the tax prescription period must strictly comply with BIR regulations to be valid.
Deregulation and Due Process: The NTC's Authority Over SMS Regulation
In Globe Telecom v. NTC, the Supreme Court struck down a fine on Globe for offering SMS without prior approval, exposing the regulator's confusing rules.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Funeral Homes and Zoning Regulations
Supreme Court ruling on exhaustion of administrative remedies in zoning disputes involving funeral homes and the HLURB's appellate jurisdiction.
When Tax Regulations Apply: Retroactivity vs Prospectivity in Philippine Law
Understanding when tax regulations apply retroactively or prospectively under Philippine law, with key principles and practical guidance.
Challenging NTC Rules: Courts, Not Just Agencies, Can Hear Validity Cases
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts have jurisdiction to review NTC regulations issued under quasi-legislative power, without exhausting administrative remedies.
Meralco Rate Case: Balancing Public Interest and Utility Profits in Philippine Power Regulation
The Supreme Court affirms rate regulation balancing utility profits and consumer protection in a landmark Meralco case.
When Courts Decide Rate Cases: Income Tax and Property Valuation in Public Utility Regulation
The Supreme Court ruled on how income tax and property valuation methods affect electricity rate determinations by the Energy Regulatory Board.
When SEC Actions Overstep Legal Boundaries: Injunctions and Prejudgment Remedies
A look at when courts can issue injunctions against SEC actions and the limits of prejudgment remedies in Philippine securities regulation.
Fixed-Term Contracts and Permanent Status for Private School Teachers
A fixed-term contract does not by itself make a private school teacher permanent. The Supreme Court explains when tenure actually attaches under the Manual of Regulations.
Contracts Under Martial Law: When Government Regulations Don't Mean Void Ab Initio
Supreme Court clarifies that regulated goods under martial law orders remain valid contract objects, distinguishing prohibition from regulation.
Pollution Adjudication Board Jurisdiction: Balancing Environmental Protection and Mining Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Pollution Adjudication Board retains jurisdiction over pollution cases involving mining operations, despite the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
When Can You Compel Government Agencies to Issue Regulations? A Mandamus Guide
Learn when Philippine courts will issue mandamus to compel agencies to act, and when they will not, based on the Pacheco v. SRA ruling.
Philippine Oil Deregulation Upheld: Supreme Court Defers to Market Freedom and Congress
The Supreme Court upheld oil deregulation under RA 8479, ruling that price controls are policy choices for Congress, not constitutional requirements.
Executive Orders vs Agency Circulars: Navigating Pilotage Fee Regulations in the Philippines
When an executive issuance and agency circulars conflict over pilotage fees, which prevails? The Supreme Court settles the hierarchy.
Campaign Ad Ban in the Philippines: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the political ad ban under RA 6646, ruling it a valid regulation ensuring equal opportunity among candidates.
Philippine Coconut Authority Cannot Abandon Its Regulatory Power
Supreme Court rules PCA cannot deregulate coconut processing industry by resolution, as only Congress can dismantle statutory regulation.
Due Process and Property Rights: Limits on Professional Regulation in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court protected harbor pilots' vested property rights against an administrative order that violated due process.
Oil Deregulation in the Philippines: Balancing Competition and Public Interest
The Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the oil deregulation law for blocking competition, reshaping Philippine energy policy.
Publication Requirement: The Real Limit on Administrative Rule-Making Power
A Supreme Court ruling on PITC's trade regulations underscores the publication requirement for administrative issuances to be valid and effective.