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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Navigating Public Office Integrity: Misconduct and Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's dealings with interested parties in government contracts amount to grave misconduct, not just simple misconduct.
Cable TV Franchise Tax: What the New Vision Ruling Means for Operators
The Supreme Court ruled that NTC-issued certificates of authority are administrative franchises subject to local franchise tax under the Local Government Code.
Land Reclassification and Zoning Ordinances Prevail Over CARP Coverage
When a local government reclassifies land as non-agricultural before June 15, 1988, and the HLURB ratifies it, the property may be exempt from agrarian reform coverage.
Backwages for Premature Dismissal: When Execution Beats Finality
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a government employee dismissed before a decision becomes final can claim backwages despite not being fully exonerated.
Regulatory Fees vs Taxes: When Local Government Impositions Are Valid
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regulatory fees and taxes in local ordinances, and the burden of proving invalidity.
Navigating Employee Incentives Understanding THE Limits OF Government Agency Compensation Powers
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA incentives given to non-rank-and-file SSS employees, clarifying limits on agency compensation powers.
Separation Pay Calculations in Government Agencies: Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when rounding off length of service for separation pay is illegal in government agencies, and who is liable for refunds.
Disallowed Government Allowances: When the Supreme Court Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court excused employees from refunding disallowed calamity and incentive allowances, citing humanitarian considerations under Madera.
Understanding the Legal Battle Over Unclaimed Horse Racing Dividends in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on who gets unclaimed horse racing dividends—the racing club or the government regulator. A clear guide.
Understanding the Limits of Government Audit Jurisdiction: Insights from the Pagcor Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of COA audit jurisdiction over government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.
Navigating Collective Negotiation Agreement Incentives in Philippine Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies when CNA incentives may be granted to managerial employees and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Proper Party in Reversion Cases: AFAB v. F.F. Cruz and State Ownership of Public Lands
When can a government agency sue to cancel titles over public lands? The Supreme Court clarifies reversion actions and real party in interest rules.
Navigating Land Reversion: Who Can Legally Challenge Property Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may file reversion cases to cancel titles over public lands, and why government agencies cannot act alone.
Property Rights vs. Military Reservations: The Balmaceda Case on Void Titles
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on why titles tracing back to cancelled certificates cannot defeat the government's claim over military reservations.
Navigating Public Procurement Laws: The Consequences of Violating RA 3019 and RA 9184
A Supreme Court ruling shows how bypassing competitive bidding in government procurement can lead to corruption and falsification convictions.
Navigating Extraordinary and Miscellaneous Expenses: A Guide for Government Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies COA rules on EME reimbursements for GOCCs, emphasizing receipts over certifications and strict compliance.
SEC v. COA: Retained Income, Provident Funds, and the Limits of Agency Discretion
The Supreme Court ruled on when government agencies may use retained income for personnel benefits, and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Navigating the Limits of Government Audit Jurisdiction: Insights from the PAGCOR Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA's audit powers over PAGCOR are limited by its charter, excluding operating expenses from coverage.
Salary Increases in GOCCs: Understanding the Legal Boundaries After Small Business Corporation v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies when salary increases in government-owned corporations violate the EO No. 7 moratorium and who must return disallowed amounts.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Scope and Limits Under Section 13 of R.A. 3019
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials may be preventively suspended pending trial, including for offenses under R.A. 6713 involving fraud upon government funds.
Evident Bad Faith in Government Contracts: The Sarion Case on Price Escalation
A mayor's approval of price escalation payments without NEDA and GPPB approval led to graft and malversation convictions.
Malversation and Anti-Graft Laws: Lessons from Sarion v. People on Public Fund Management
A Supreme Court ruling on malversation clarifies the duty of public officials to verify disbursements, with key lessons for government and contractors.
Understanding Grave Misconduct: The Impact of Drug Use on Public Employment in the Philippines
Explore how drug use constitutes grave misconduct in Philippine public service, its legal basis, and consequences for government employees.
Understanding Bad Faith in Government Travel: A Guide to Avoiding Anti-Graft Violations
The Supreme Court clarifies what "evident bad faith" means under the Anti-Graft Law in a case involving unauthorized foreign travel.