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.
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.
Corporate Rehabilitation and Court-Approved Penalty Reductions: La Savoie v. Buenavista
A stay order voids judgments rendered in violation of it, and rehabilitation courts may reduce contractual penalties under an approved plan.
Abuse of Rights in Contractual Dealings: Upholding Freedom to Contract and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate rehabilitation, contractual penalties, and the limits of judicial interference in contracts.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charge Disputes: PT&T v. Smart Communications
When do courts yield to the NTC on telecom access charge disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of primary jurisdiction.
Clarifying Deposit Substitutes: The 20-Lender Rule and Tax Implications in Bond Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when treasury bonds qualify as deposit substitutes subject to 20% final withholding tax, and the limits of BIR ruling retroactivity.
Res Judicata in Corporate Rehabilitation: Final Judgments Bar Relitigation
Explore how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar relitigation of an approved corporate rehabilitation plan, ensuring finality.
Presidential Warranties vs. State Sovereignty: The PICOP Timber License Case
The Supreme Court ruled presidential warranties on timber licenses are not contracts, and state sovereignty over natural resources prevails.
Mining Rights and State Control: The Limits of Exploration Permits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permits, vested rights, and state control over mineral reservations under the Mining Act.
Upholding Election Law Amendments Ensuring Fair And Transparent Elections
The Supreme Court upheld RA 9369's constitutionality, affirming Congress's power to amend election laws for transparency, credibility, fairness, and accuracy.
Rehabilitation Proceedings Suspending Actions FOR Corporate Rescue
Explaining when corporations may seek rehabilitation, the automatic suspension of claims, and the temporary nature of the relief.
Rehabilitation Petitions Technical Insolvency AND Creditors Rights IN Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a technically insolvent corporation may file for rehabilitation and how creditor rights are affected.
When 'In Lieu of All Taxes' Does Not Mean Local Tax Exemption: Smart Communications v. City of Davao
The Supreme Court ruled that a franchise's "in lieu of all taxes" clause covers only national taxes, not local franchise taxes.
When Can Government Revoke Tax Exemptions in Freeport Zones
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when Congress may withdraw tax exemptions granted to Subic Freeport locators, and limits on injunctions against tax collection.
Zoning Regulations vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Welfare and Private Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning ordinances, police power, and the non-impairment of contracts clause.
Mining vs Forestry Rights: When Timber Licenses Don't Block Mining Operations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that timber license holders cannot block mining applications, explaining consent vs notice rules under the Mining Act.
Timber License vs Contract: DENR Authority Over Forest Resources
Supreme Court ruling on whether a timber license agreement and presidential warranty create vested rights against DENR's regulatory authority over forest resources.
Mining Contract Transfers: When New Laws Don't Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on FTAA transfers, presidential approval requirements, and the non-retroactive application of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Voiding Land Sales: The Five-Year Restriction on Free Patents in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on the five-year ban on selling free patent lands, and what it means for landowners and buyers.
Philippine Franchise Tax: Local Governments' Power to Tax and the Limits of "In Lieu of All Taxes" Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules on whether local governments can impose franchise taxes despite "in lieu of all taxes" exemptions under PD 551.
Police Power vs Individual Rights: Regulating OFW Deployment
The Supreme Court upholds the Artist Record Book requirement for performing artists bound abroad as a valid exercise of police power.
Enforcing Labor Rights Understanding Prescription AND Jurisdiction IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on labor claim prescription, jurisdiction, and enforcement of compromise agreements in MWSS v. NLRC.