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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Bangsamoro Local Governance Code: What BAA No. 49 Means for BARMM LGUs
The Bangsamoro Local Governance Code of 2023, or BAA No. 49, governs BARMM provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. Here is what it covers.
IRR of the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (BAA No. 49): What the Rules Add
The IRR of the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (BAA No. 49) took effect in 2024. Here is what the rules add on LGUs, barangays, and decentralization.
BARMM Local Taxation: LGU Revenue Powers Under the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code
BARMM local taxation explained: how the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code lets LGUs create revenue sources, levy taxes, and share in national taxes.
Mandamus and Local Governance: Ensuring the Operation of Newly Created Provinces in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that newly created provinces must not be left without officials, compelling the BLGF to process appointments.
Separation of Powers: Defining the Roles of City Engineers and Building Officials in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that local governments may create a separate building official office distinct from the city engineer's office.
Separation of Powers in Local Governance: Valid Appointment of a Building Official
Supreme Court affirms that a city may create a separate building official office under the Local Government Code and National Building Code.
When Local Governance Meets Lending: Safeguarding Public Funds in Loan Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies when LGU loan agreements become "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under the Anti-Graft Law, acquitting local officials.
Speed Limits and Local Governance: When Public Safety Measures Fail Legal Scrutiny
The Supreme Court voids a municipal speed limit ordinance for non-compliance with publication and RA 4136, underscoring the rule of law in local governance.
Electoral Rights vs Budgetary Constraints: Protecting People's Legislative Power in Local Governance
The Supreme Court rules that lack of budget cannot defeat local initiative, but propositions must stay within the sanggunian's powers.
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.
Quorum Quandaries: When Does a Presiding Officer Count in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a vice-mayor counts for quorum in local sanggunian sessions under the Local Government Code.
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.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
Pecuniary Interest VS Unlawful Intervention Defining Graft IN Local Governance
Recall Elections: Defining the Process and Protecting Local Governance Stability
The Supreme Court clarifies when recall elections may be held under the Local Government Code, balancing accountability with stability.
Philippine Election Districting: Ensuring Fair Representation in Local Governance
How the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to divide provinces into Sangguniang Panlalawigan districts, and what "equitable apportionment" really means.
Local Autonomy vs Presidential Supervision: Fiscal Powers in Philippine Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of presidential supervision over local governments, protecting local fiscal autonomy and ordinance-making powers.