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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Telecommunications Franchise in the Philippines: Requirements and How to Obtain One
Need a telecommunications franchise in the Philippines? Learn the requirements, the congressional franchise process, and the NTC permits you must secure.
COMELEC vs HRET: When Can a Party-List Registration Be Cancelled?
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC can cancel a party-list registration, even if it affects a sitting member of Congress.
Franchise Amendments and Public Utilities: When Does the Common Good Justify Change
The Supreme Court upholds RA 11918 expanding MORE Power's franchise, ruling exclusive franchises are unconstitutional and Congress determines the common good.
Party-List Nominee Qualifications: Supreme Court Strikes Down Ban on Losing Candidates
The Supreme Court ruled Congress may set party-list nominee qualifications, but struck down the ban on losing candidates as violating equal protection.
Calida v. Trillanes: When a Legislative Inquiry Becomes Moot
Supreme Court dismisses Calida petition against Trillanes' Senate inquiry as moot after Congress adjourned.
When Government Contracts Meet Congressional Oversight: The Limits of Compromise Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies that compromise agreements involving government claims above P100,000 require congressional approval, not just COA or agency action.
Local Autonomy vs Congressional Power: Defining the Just Share in National Taxes
The Mandanas ruling redefined the LGU just share in national taxes, expanding the base beyond internal revenue taxes.
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.
Supreme Court Limits Presidential Spending Power in Araullo v. Aquino III
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program, reaffirming that public funds require congressional appropriation under the Constitution.
Ending Pork: Supreme Court Defines Limits on Congressional Power Over Budget
The Supreme Court struck down PDAF as unconstitutional, redefining the limits of congressional power over the national budget.
Election Contests and Jurisdiction: When the HRET Takes Over from COMELEC
The Supreme Court explains why election contests involving proclaimed congressional winners belong exclusively to the HRET, not the courts.
Party List Registration Misrepresentation and the Right to Representation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, not the COMELEC, has jurisdiction over congressional election disputes.
Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction: Proclamation Is the Decisive Factor in Election Contests
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a congressional candidate is proclaimed, the HRET, not the COMELEC, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: Reclassifying Public Positions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress may reclassify public positions, and security of tenure follows the position's nature at the time of removal.
Impeachment and Judicial Review: Defining the Limits of Court Intervention
The Supreme Court rules on the JBC's composition, clarifying constitutional limits on congressional representation and judicial review.
Supreme Court Limits Congress to One Seat on the Judicial and Bar Council
The Supreme Court rules Congress may send only one representative to the JBC, striking down the eight-member composition as unconstitutional.
Electoral Tribunals Authority Challenging A Legislators Qualifications After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a congressional candidate is proclaimed, only the HRET, not COMELEC, may rule on qualifications.
Electoral Jurisdiction: When COMELEC’s Authority Ends and HRET Begins
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between COMELEC and HRET jurisdiction over election disputes involving proclaimed congressmen.
The Limits of Judicial Review: Safeguarding Congressional Authority in Budget Allocations
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling on PDAF shows how courts respect congressional budget power and the limits of taxpayer suits.
Cityhood Laws and Equal Protection: The League of Cities Doctrine
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of 16 cityhood laws, ruling that Congress validly exempted certain municipalities from higher income requirements.
When Congress Validates Land Titles After a Final Court Ruling: Alonso v. Cebu Country Club
Explaining Alonso v. Cebu Country Club: how Republic Act No. 9443 validated land titles and what it means for property owners and litigants.
Cityhood Laws and Equal Protection: Defining Legislative Power in Local Governance
The Supreme Court upholds cityhood laws exempting municipalities from RA 9009's income requirement, affirming Congress's plenary power.
Residency Requirement Upholding the Electorate's Will in Congressional Elections
Supreme Court ruling on congressional residency requirements, emphasizing that the electorate's choice prevails when evidence of non-residence is weak or inconclusive.
Barangay Officials Term Limits: Clarifying the Reckoning Point for Accountable Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies when the three-term limit for barangay officials begins, affirming Congress's power over local term rules.