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.
Business Permit Requirements Philippines: A Complete Guide for 2025
Learn the business permit requirements in the Philippines, including local business tax, barangay clearance, and renewal deadlines for new and existing businesses.
Data Privacy Act Penalties in the Philippines: Fines and Criminal Liability
Understand the Data Privacy Act penalties in the Philippines, including fines and imprisonment for unauthorized processing, breaches, and disclosure.
Fintech Regulation in the Philippines: BSP Rules and Licensing
Fintech regulation in the Philippines is shaped by BSP rules, the E-Commerce Act, and the Data Privacy Act. Learn the key legal requirements here.
PAGCOR License Requirements in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the PAGCOR license requirements in the Philippines, the application process, and what gaming operators must know under the PAGCOR Charter.
PIGO License Philippines: What It Is and How PAGCOR Regulates It
Learn what a PIGO license in the Philippines is, how PAGCOR regulates Philippine Inland Gaming Operators, and what the law says.
Illegal Gambling vs PAGCOR in the Philippines: Where's the Line?
Understand the line between illegal gambling and PAGCOR-regulated gaming in the Philippines, including what makes betting operations lawful.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Negligence and Misconduct in PDAF Allocation
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of DSWD official for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in PDAF allocation.
Unauthorized Foreshore Structures as Public Nuisance: Calimlim v. Goño
The Supreme Court rules that unauthorized structures on foreshore land constitute a public nuisance and must be removed.
When Can COA Demand a Refund of Disallowed Government Employee Benefits?
Learn when the COA can demand refunds of disallowed government benefits and when employees may be excused from returning them.
When Approving Officers Must Refund Disallowed Amounts: The Net Disallowed Amount Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies that approving officers are liable only for the net disallowed amount, not the full expenditure, when payees are excused.
Enforced Disappearance and the Writ of Amparo: What the Tayo Ruling Means
The Supreme Court reaffirms the Writ of Amparo as a remedy for enforced disappearance, holding police accountable for failing to investigate.
Safeguarding Justice: The Judiciary Marshals Act and Its Implementing Rules
The Supreme Court approved the IRR of the Judiciary Marshals Act, creating an armed unit to protect judges and secure the courts.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Misconduct and Neglect of Duty
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguished simple misconduct from gross neglect of duty in a flawed government procurement case.
Patent Infringement in the Philippines: How Claims Define Protection
Philippine patent infringement hinges on claim interpretation. The Supreme Court's Tuna Processors ruling clarifies direct and indirect infringement.
When Does a Right to Radio Frequencies Vest? The NOW Telecom Ruling
A legislative franchise does not guarantee radio frequencies. The Supreme Court explains why spectrum use is a privilege.
3G Frequency Allocation and the NTC's Regulatory Discretion: Lessons from Next Mobile v. NTC
The Supreme Court affirms the NTC's broad discretion in allocating 3G frequencies, clarifying the limits of judicial review over technical regulatory decisions.
Letter of Authority vs. Letter Notice: When a BIR Tax Assessment Is Void
The Supreme Court ruled that a BIR Letter Notice cannot substitute for a Letter of Authority—assessments without a valid LOA are void.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure in the Philippines: Why a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a general foreclosure clause is not enough—mortgagees need express authority to sell property extrajudicially.
When a MOA Becomes a Binding Contract: Lessons from a Property Sale Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a Memorandum of Agreement becomes a binding contract of sale, and why parties cannot later disavow it.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Election Weapon Ban Case
Supreme Court acquits accused in election weapons ban case due to broken chain of custody over seized folding knife.
When Public Funds Meet Personal Expenses: Disallowing Extraordinary Expenses for Water District Officials
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of extraordinary expenses paid to a water district general manager without legal basis under the Salary Standardization Law.
Who Can Appeal an Invalidated Appointment? CSC v. Binay Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies who may appeal a disapproved government appointment and why residency and education requirements matter in local posts.
Bank Negligence and Fiduciary Duty: PNBS Responsibility to Depositors
When banks fail depositors, liability follows. This case clarifies the fiduciary duty and negligence standards for Philippine banks.
Letter of Authority Required When Reassigning Tax Audits: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court nullifies tax assessments where audits were reassigned without a new Letter of Authority. Learn the rules.