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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Salary Standardization vs Local Autonomy: Resolving Compensation Disputes in Water Districts
The Supreme Court clarifies that water districts must follow the Salary Standardization Law when fixing general manager pay, but good faith may excuse refunds.
Dual Citizens Barred From Local Office: Void Candidacy and Next-Placer Rule
Dual citizens who fail to renounce foreign citizenship are disqualified from local office. Their votes are void, and the next eligible candidate wins.
When Courts Lack Jurisdiction: Unlawful Detainer and the Limits of Mandamus in Local Governance
Understand when a case is unlawful detainer vs. accion publiciana, and why jurisdictional errors void court decisions.
Golf Courses and Amusement Tax: When Local Tax Power Exceeds Its Boundaries
The Supreme Court nullifies Cebu City's amusement tax on golf courses, ruling it exceeds the Local Government Code's grant of taxing authority.
Finality of Judgments: No Recomputation After Decision Becomes Executory
A final labor ruling cannot be recomputed or increased. Learn the finality rule and its exceptions from De Ocampo v. RPN-9.
Dual Citizenship and Election Disqualification: Agustin v. COMELEC
Explaining when a dual citizen is disqualified from running for local office, and how using a foreign passport can undo a renunciation of citizenship.
Construction Contracts and Legal Interest: Determining Liability in Government Projects
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest applies to unpaid construction claims against government agencies and local governments.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: When Due Process Is Satisfied
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC revocation of securities registration complies with due process, and what issuers must do.
SEC Regulatory Powers: Revocation of Securities Registration and Due Process
Supreme Court clarifies SEC's regulatory power to revoke securities registration and what due process requires in administrative proceedings.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: Due Process in Corporate Filings
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC may revoke a corporation's securities registration for reportorial lapses without a separate hearing.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: Due Process in Administrative Regulation
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC may revoke securities registration without a separate hearing, distinguishing regulatory from quasi-judicial powers.
Local Tax Refund Claims: Timeliness and Jurisdiction Under Section 195 LGC
Strict deadlines and the right court matter in local tax refund claims. China Banking Corp. v. City Treasurer of Manila explains why.
Garbage Fees and Socialized Housing Tax: When Local Levies Go Beyond Legal Limits
The Supreme Court ruled on Quezon City's power to impose garbage fees and socialized housing tax under the Local Government Code.
Revocation and Renewal: Understanding Surety Obligations in Philippine Banking
When a continuing surety expires or is revoked, a bank cannot hold the surety liable for loans made after that point.
Oil Depot Relocation Balancing Public Safety AND Property Rights IN Manila
A look at how Philippine courts weigh public safety concerns against private property rights in urban redevelopment cases.
CTA Has Exclusive Power Over Certiorari in Local Tax Cases, SC Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CTA, not the CA, has exclusive jurisdiction over certiorari petitions assailing RTC interlocutory orders in local tax cases.
Party-List Seat Allocation: Supreme Court Upholds COMELEC’s Proportional Distribution
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s party-list seat allocation under the BANAT formula, clarifying how additional seats are distributed proportionally.
Local Autonomy vs National Interest: Can Congress Override Local Taxing Power
The Supreme Court strikes down RA 9167 provisions that diverted local amusement taxes to a national agency, affirming local fiscal autonomy.
Taxing Times: Government Instrumentalities and Real Property Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like airport authorities are exempt from local real property taxes.
Government Contracts and Procurement: Why Funding Rules and Indispensable Parties Matter
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on local government loans, procurement funding requirements, and the need to implead indispensable parties in taxpayer suits.
When Tenancy Claims Fail: Ejectment Jurisdiction After Corporate Revocation
The Supreme Court clarifies when an ejectment case stays with regular courts despite tenancy defenses, and how corporate dissolution affects legal standing.
DILG Circulars on LGU Fund Disclosure Upheld: Local Autonomy Has Limits
Supreme Court upholds DILG circulars requiring LGU transparency in IRA use, clarifying that local autonomy does not mean absolute independence from national supervision.
PEZA Exempt From Local Property Taxes: Key SC Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled PEZA is exempt from real property taxes as a government instrumentality. Learn the legal basis and implications.
PEZA Tax Exemption: Instrumentality of National Government and Real Property Tax
Supreme Court rules PEZA is exempt from real property tax as an instrumentality of the national government, clarifying local taxing limits.