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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Data Privacy Act Compliance Checklist for Philippine Businesses
A practical Data Privacy Act compliance checklist for Philippine businesses covering NPC registration, privacy notices, security measures, and breach reporting.
NPC Registration in the Philippines: Requirements and Who Must Register
Learn who must register with the National Privacy Commission under the Data Privacy Act, the registration requirements for data processing systems, and how to comply.
Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Reorganizations
When a company reorganizes, employees still have rights. The Supreme Court explains illegal dismissal and reinstatement in NPC v. Cabanag.
VAT Zero Rating: Proving Tax Exempt Status for Power Generation Services
Supreme Court clarifies that power generators selling to NPC may claim VAT zero-rating under Section 108(B)(3) without an ERC Certificate of Compliance.
NPC's Real Property Tax Exemption Claim Fails: Ownership and Actual Use Matter
Supreme Court rules NPC cannot claim real property tax exemption for BOT power plant facilities it neither owns nor actually uses.
Just Compensation for Easement of Right of Way: Key Lessons from NPC v. Marasigan
When the government takes an easement over private land, what must it pay? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just compensation, valuation date, and consequential damages.
Franchise Tax After EPIRA: NPC's Liability and the Limits of Local Government Power
The Supreme Court clarifies when the local franchise tax applies after EPIRA, nullifying Bataan's levy on NPC properties.
Reconveyance and Land Ownership: Proving Ownership in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court nullified a provincial government's levy and auction of NPC properties, clarifying franchise tax rules under EPIRA.
Upholding Employee Rights NPC Employees Entitled TO Separation PAY Despite Corporate Restructuring
Supreme Court rules NPC illegally dismissed employees entitled to separation pay, backwages despite corporate restructuring under EPIRA.
Courts, Not Legislators, Set Just Compensation in Philippine Eminent Domain Cases
Supreme Court rules statutory caps like NPC's 10% easement limit cannot override judicial determination of just compensation.
Local Government Officials and Legal Representation: Defining Government Instrumentalities
Supreme Court clarifies that government-owned or controlled corporations like NPC are "instrumentalities" under the Local Government Code, disqualifying sanggunian members from appearing as counsel ag
NPC Not Exempt from Legal Fees: Supreme Court Clarifies Rule on Court Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies that the National Power Corporation must pay filing fees and other legal fees, affirming the Court's exclusive power over procedural rules.
Double Dipping Denied: Separation Pay vs Retirement Benefits in Government Restructuring
Supreme Court rules NPC employees who received separation pay under EPIRA cannot also claim retirement benefits under CA 186, as amended.
Unlawful Termination of NPC Employees: Reinstatement Rights and Corporate Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies reinstatement rights for illegally dismissed NPC employees and limits PSALM's liability in execution.
Who Pays Real Property Tax When a Government Corporation Assumes a Private Firm's Tax Liability?
The Supreme Court rules on whether NPC can claim tax exemptions for a power plant it does not own or use under a BOT agreement.
NPC Liable for Electrocution Death: Duty to Maintain Safe Transmission Lines
Supreme Court rules power company negligent for sagging transmission lines that electrocuted a miner, rejecting contributory negligence defense.
Full Market Value Required When Easement Impairs Land Use
Supreme Court rules NPC must pay full market value, not 10% easement fee, when transmission lines impair land use.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why Courts Defer to Agency Expertise
Philippine Supreme Court explains why courts dismiss cases filed before administrative appeals are exhausted, using Oporto v. NPC.
Exhaustion of Remedies and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Oporto v. NPC Board
Supreme Court ruling on exhaustion of administrative remedies, forum shopping, and due process in administrative cases against government employees.
Full Market Value, Not a 10% Cap, Is Just Compensation for Power-Line Easements
In NPC v. Purefoods, the Court held that a transmission-line easement that cripples normal use must be paid at full market value, not 10%.
Retroactivity of Laws in Eminent Domain: When New Legislation Meets Pending Expropriation
Explains when new laws apply retroactively in eminent domain cases, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Spouses Lintag v. NPC.
Privatization of Power: When Government Policy Meets Employee Security
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on NPC privatization, employee security of tenure, and the doctrine of mootness in administrative law.
Limits on Delegated Authority: NPC Drivers and Mechanics Association v. NPC
When board members send alternates to vote, are their resolutions valid? The Supreme Court says no—discretion cannot be delegated.
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.