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 Employment Status: Contract of Service vs Regular Employment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in government-owned corporations are contract of service workers, not regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
PCSO Benefits Disallowed: Upholding Fiscal Responsibility in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of unauthorized benefits paid to LBP subsidiary board members, clarifying rules on double compensation and corporate governance.
Understanding the Limits of Medical Benefits for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations may grant medical benefits to employees—and why presidential approval matters.
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.
Navigating the Legal Boundaries of Government-Owned Corporations: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Rulin
The Supreme Court upheld the GOCC Governance Act, clarifying the limits of security of tenure and delegation of powers.
Certification vs Receipts: Reimbursing Expenses in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that certifications alone cannot support EME reimbursement claims in GOCCs under COA Circular No. 2006-01.
Appeal Bonds for GOCCs in Labor Disputes: The Banahaw Broadcasting Case
When must government-owned corporations post appeal bonds in labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies in Banahaw Broadcasting.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
When Government Corporations Are Not Employers: The LRTA Case on Labor Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations with original charters fall outside labor arbiter jurisdiction, using the LRTA-METRO case.
Water Districts Are Government-Owned: Anti-Graft Law Applies to Their Officers
Supreme Court rules local water districts are government-owned corporations, so their managers face Anti-Graft Law prosecution for corrupt practices.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction: Defining Government-Owned Corporations and Official Authority in Graft Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defined government-owned corporations and official authority for Sandiganbayan jurisdiction in graft cases.
NPC Franchise Tax Case: Local Governments Can Tax Government Corporations
The Supreme Court ruled that provinces may impose franchise tax on government-owned corporations like NPC under the Local Government Code.
Corporate Autonomy and Employee Benefits: The PPA Hazard Pay and Birthday Gift Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations can grant employee benefits, using the PPA hazard pay and birthday cash gift case.
Duty Free Philippines v. Mojica: Civil Service, Not Labor Courts, Governs GOCC Employees
Employees of government-owned corporations with original charters must file dismissal cases with the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Expanding Sandiganbayan's Reach: Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over officers of government-owned corporations, regardless of how they were created.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over GOCC Subsidiaries: The Alas Doctrine
Explaining People v. Alas: why officers of government-owned corporations incorporated under the Corporation Code fall under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Retirement Benefits, Creditable Service, and the Limits of Tacking in Government-Owned Corporations
A look at how the Supreme Court clarified the rules on retirement benefits, creditable service, and the limits of tacking in government-owned corporations.
Tax Exemptions for Government Corporations: The Philippine Ports Authority Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations like the PPA must pay local taxes, and when they cannot change legal theories on appeal.
Local Governments vs National Corporations: Who Pays Franchise Taxes
Supreme Court rules government-owned corporations like NPC must pay local franchise taxes under the Local Government Code.
Docket Fees and Government Instrumentalities: Clarifying Exemptions in Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations are exempt from docket fees and the limits of that exemption.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Government-Owned Corporations: The PNCC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies SEC jurisdiction over GOCCs organized under the Corporation Code, using the PNCC dispute as a landmark example.
Illegal Dismissal Jurisdiction: Government Corporations Without Original Charters
Supreme Court clarifies which government-owned corporations fall under Labor Code jurisdiction versus Civil Service rules in illegal dismissal cases.
Taxing Government Entities: Local Government Power and Exemptions Under the LGC
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may tax government-owned corporations, balancing local autonomy with national exemptions.