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.
Good Faith Defense: When Public Officials Can Avoid Liability for Disallowed Fund Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith shields public officials from personal liability in COA disallowances involving PDAF fund transfers.
When Can a Mayor Order Demolition Without a Court Order? The Altarejos Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a mayor's power to order demolition without court intervention, reinforcing due process and property rights.
Tax Delinquency Sales: Why Notice to the Registered Owner Matters
The Supreme Court voids tax sales when LGUs notify only the tax declaration holder, not the registered owner. Learn the due process rule.
When Lawyers Serve Two Masters: Ethical Violations in Land Deals and Public Office
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer-mayor for helping circumvent land ownership rules and practicing law while in public office.
Expropriation Voided: Olongapo's Failure to Make a Valid Offer and Grant Due Process
Supreme Court voids Olongapo's expropriation of Jose Co Lee's property for lack of a valid offer and due process, reaffirming safeguards for property owners.
Residency Requirements for Government Positions: The Binay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court’s ruling in CSC v. Binay clarifies residency rules for local government appointments and why accuracy in your Personal Data Sheet matters.
Holdover Appointments and Compulsory Retirement: Key Lessons from Atty. Montenegro v. COA
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on salaries for public servants who continue working past compulsory retirement without CSC approval.
HUC Voters and Provincial Plebiscites: The Del Rosario Ruling Explained
Can residents of a highly urbanized city vote in a provincial plebiscite? The Supreme Court says no—here's why.
SK Official Removal: Who Has the Power to Oust Youth Leaders
The Supreme Court clarifies which bodies can remove SK Federation Presidents and SK Chairpersons, and the due process required.
Cable TV Franchise Tax: What the New Vision Ruling Means for Operators
The Supreme Court ruled that NTC-issued certificates of authority are administrative franchises subject to local franchise tax under the Local Government Code.
Perpetual Disqualification and Material Misrepresentation in Election Candidacy
The Supreme Court ruled that filing a Certificate of Candidacy while under perpetual disqualification is material misrepresentation, voiding the CoC and making votes stray.
Submarine Cables as Taxable Real Property: Supreme Court Clarifies Local Government Authority
The Supreme Court rules submarine cables are taxable real property, affirming local governments' power to impose real property tax on these assets.
Demolition Orders and Due Process: Key Lessons from the Alangdeo Case
The Supreme Court invalidated a demolition order in Alangdeo v. City Mayor of Baguio, reinforcing due process and legal safeguards for property owners.
Barangay Settlement Enforcement: MCTC Jurisdiction and the 10-Day Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified enforcement of barangay amicable settlements, including MCTC jurisdiction and the binding 10-day repudiation period.
PEZA Tax Exemption: Instrumentality of National Government and Real Property Tax
Supreme Court rules PEZA is exempt from real property tax as an instrumentality of the national government, clarifying local taxing limits.
No-Build Zones and National Permits: What Aquino v. Malay Means for Developers
The Supreme Court ruled that a DENR permit does not override local no-build zone ordinances. Here's what developers must know.
Reassignment and RATA: When Government Employees Keep Their Allowance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reassigned local government employee may continue receiving RATA, balancing administrative authority with employee rights.
Residency vs. Domicile in Philippine Elections: The Pundaodaya Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that voter registration and property ownership do not prove election residency, which legally means domicile.
Sangguniang Bayan Concurrence in Municipal Appointments: A Mandatory Requirement
The Supreme Court ruled that municipal appointments require Sangguniang Bayan concurrence; without it, the appointment is invalid regardless of tenure.
Material Misrepresentation in a COC: When a False Statement Can Nullify an Election Win
A false statement in a Certificate of Candidacy on a material qualification can cancel a candidacy and nullify an election victory, as Velasco v. COMELEC shows.
Barangay vs. Homeowners: Who Administers a Multi-Purpose Hall?
The Supreme Court clarifies the division of authority between barangays and homeowners' associations over government-funded facilities in subdivisions.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: When a Court Order Is Required in the Philippines
Philippine law generally requires a special court order before a city may demolish existing structures, even those built without permits. Learn the rules.
Barangay Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Residency of the Real Party in Interest Controls
The Supreme Court clarifies that the real party in interest's residency, not the attorney-in-fact's, determines barangay lupon jurisdiction over disputes.
Land Reclassification vs. Conversion: DAR Approval Still Required After CARL
The Supreme Court clarifies that local reclassification of agricultural land does not remove the need for DAR conversion approval under CARL.