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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COA Concurrence in Hiring Private Counsel: The PNOC-EC Case and New Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when government agencies must secure COA concurrence before hiring private lawyers, and how new rules ease this requirement.
BSP Authority to Engage Private Counsel and Jurisdiction in Legal Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies BSP's power to hire private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property cases involving assessed value.
BSP Can Use Private Counsel: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction and Representation Rules
Supreme Court rules on BSP's authority to engage private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property disputes.
Unauthorized Legal Representation Government Officials Liability FOR Private Counsel Fees
When Can a Government Official Hire Private Counsel? Gontang v. Alayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when local government officials may hire private lawyers despite rules requiring government counsel representation.
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.
City Prosecutors Must Represent Local Governments: Urdaneta City Case on Private Counsel Ban
Supreme Court rules city prosecutors must represent local governments in civil cases, barring private counsel in Urdaneta dispute.
Representation in Legal Disputes: Clarifying Counsel Rights for Local Government Officials
Learn when local government officials may hire private counsel and how service of notices affects appeals, based on a 2000 Supreme Court ruling.
Who Can Represent a Municipality in Court: The Ramos Doctrine on Unauthorized Counsel
Philippine law limits who may represent a municipality in lawsuits. Learn the rules, exceptions, and effects of unauthorized private counsel appearances.