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.
Fare Adjustments and Due Process: Public Participation in Philippine Rail Fare Setting
The Supreme Court ruled on whether notice and hearing are required before the government can raise LRT and MRT fares, clarifying due process in rate-fixing.
Tax Evasion in the Philippines: When Can the Government Collect Without an Assessment
The Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can collect deficiency taxes without a formal assessment in criminal tax evasion cases.
Writ of Kalikasan Requires Concrete Evidence, Not Speculation: Water for All Refund Movement Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that a Writ of Kalikasan demands concrete evidence of environmental harm, not mere speculation or unsubstantiated allegations.
When Can a Provincial Legal Officer Represent a Governor? A Disbarment Case Guide
The Supreme Court reprimands a provincial legal officer for unauthorized practice of law in representing a governor before the Ombudsman.
Valuing Just Compensation: The Time of Taking and Factors Under CARP Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for CARP-acquired lands is valued—at the time of taking, using Section 17 factors.
Conflict of Interest: When Can a Government Lawyer Represent a Public Official in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government lawyer's representation of a public official becomes a conflict of interest and unauthorized practice of law.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Individual Rights and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of graft charges due to the Ombudsman's inordinate delay, clarifying the right to speedy disposition.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Justice and Efficiency in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay by the Ombudsman violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, resulting in dismissal.
Agrarian Reform Land Transfer Ban: What Beneficiaries and Buyers Must Know
Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year ban on selling agrarian reform lands, the void sale rule, and the buyer's right to recover payment.
Procurement Rules Family Ties Dont Always Taint THE Deal
Supreme Court clarifies that disclosure-of-relations rules under procurement law apply only to competitive bidding, not to Shopping.
Balancing Local Autonomy and National Law: The Limits of Municipal Power Over Water Resources
The Supreme Court nullified Batangas City's desalination ordinance, ruling that local governments cannot regulate water resources already governed by national law.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
Interest on Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: The Tamparong Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting landowners' property rights.
Expropriation and Just Compensation: Understanding Legal Interest in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates landowners can claim when the government delays payment of just compensation in expropriation cases.
GSIS Loan Penalties: When Are They Unconscionable?
The Supreme Court ruled that compounded GSIS loan penalties can be unconscionable and subject to reduction. Learn the rules.
Mitigating Circumstances and Gross Neglect of Duty: Reassessing Penalties in Judiciary Misconduct
The Supreme Court modifies dismissal to suspension for a clerk of court guilty of gross neglect, appreciating mitigating circumstances under amended Rule 140.
Negligence in Handling Government Funds: A Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be held liable for negligence in handling government funds and the right to speedy disposition of cases.
Dismissal Delayed Is Justice Denied: The Right to Speedy Disposition in Philippine Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court rules that inordinate delay by the Ombudsman in resolving administrative cases violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Notarial Duty Consequences Of Neglecting Proper Identification IN Philippine LAW
A notary who fails to verify identities faces suspension and perpetual disqualification, as shown in a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Bribery in Public Service: Demanding Money for Expedited Titling Constitutes Direct Bribery
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a public officer's demand for money to expedite a transaction constitutes direct bribery under Philippine law.
Emergency Powers and Oil Industry Takeovers: Understanding Delegation Limits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down Section 14(e) of the Oil Deregulation Law for invalidly delegating emergency takeover powers. Learn the constitutional limits.
Customs Brokers vs Declarant: Who Signs Import and Export Declarations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 10863, importers and exporters may sign goods declarations without a customs broker.
Reviving Judgments Balancing Timeliness AND Justice IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court acquits a PPA official in an anti-graft case, clarifying the elements of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Public Officer Liability: Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court acquits PPA terminal manager in Section 3(e) case, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for public officers acting in good faith.