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.

Showing 112 of 12 articles for public utilities

Emergency Powers and Oil Industry Takeovers: Understanding Delegation Limits in the Philippines

The Supreme Court struck down Section 14(e) of the Oil Deregulation Law for invalidly delegating emergency takeover powers. Learn the constitutional limits.

Foreign Ownership in Public Utilities: The High Court Defines "Capital"

The Supreme Court clarifies that Under the Constitution

Rehabilitation vs Secured Interests: Balancing Creditor Rights in Corporate Recovery

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how corporate rehabilitation balances secured creditors' rights with the need for equal treatment and recovery.

Defining Capital: Filipino Control of Public Utilities Under the Constitution

The Supreme Court clarifies that mean in the Constitution's requirement that public utilities be at least 60% Filipino-owned? The answer—that "capital" refers to voting stock, not all outstanding shar

Exclusive Franchises and Public Utilities: Constitutional Limits in the Philippines

The Supreme Court struck down Section 47 of PD 198 as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exclusive franchises for public utilities are prohibited by the Constitution.

Toll Regulatory Powers Defining Limits In Public Private Infrastructure

Supreme Court defines TRB's franchise powers, toll regulation, and public bidding requirements in Luzon expressway cases.

Safeguards Against Unjustified Power Disconnection Protecting Consumer Rights

Learn how Philippine law protects consumers from unjustified power disconnection and what rights you have against utility providers.

Electricity Disconnection in the Philippines: When Can a Utility Cut Your Power?

Know your rights when a utility disconnects your electricity. Philippine law requires due process—here's what a utility must prove first.

Protecting Consumers: Illegal Disconnection and Utility Company Liability

Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's liability for illegal disconnection without notice, and the limits of differential billing claims.

Power Back On: Your Rights to Electricity Reconnection in the Philippines

When can a power company cut your electricity, and can you get it restored? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies your rights.

Cutting Utility Lines Without a Permit: Unjust Vexation Under Philippine Law

Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong Chiu Kwan v. Court of Appeals treats unauthorized cutting of utility lines as unjust vexation.

Franchise Boundaries: When NPC Can Supply Power Over Existing Franchises

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when NPC may directly supply power within areas covered by existing electric franchise holders.