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.
Balancing Local Autonomy and National Law: The Limits of Municipal Power Over Water Resources
The Supreme Court nullified Batangas City's desalination ordinance, ruling that local governments cannot regulate water resources already governed by national law.
Expropriation Due Process: What Property Owners Must Prove
A Supreme Court ruling on Olongapo expropriation clarifies the requisites for valid taking, the need for genuine negotiation, and the right to a full hearing on defenses.
Separation of Powers in Local Governance: Valid Appointment of a Building Official
Supreme Court affirms that a city may create a separate building official office under the Local Government Code and National Building Code.
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.
Ethical Limits on Filing Graft Complaints: Lessons from Diaz v. Atty. Mandagan
A lawyer's duty to avoid frivolous cases: Supreme Court suspends counsel for filing unsubstantiated graft charges against a former mayor.
Property Rights vs Public Use: Resolving Road Access Disputes
When can a government hospital close a road on its titled property? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of preliminary injunctions in access disputes.
Hierarchy of Courts and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: The Imperative for Orderly Legal Processes
The Supreme Court reiterates that parties must observe the hierarchy of courts and exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial relief.
Challenging Real Property Tax Ordinances: The Iloilo Case and the Rule on Exhaustion of Remedies
The Supreme Court dismissed a direct challenge to Iloilo City's real property tax ordinance, reaffirming that taxpayers must first exhaust administrative remedies before going to court.
Barangay Boundary Disputes: Why the Sanggunian, Not Courts, Resolves Them First
The Supreme Court clarifies that barangay boundary disputes must first be settled by the sanggunian, not the RTC, under the Local Government Code.
Treble Costs Under Rule 65: When Courts May Penalize Frivolous Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that treble costs under Rule 65 are discretionary, requiring clear justification, not automatic penalties.
Upholding Local Autonomy: The Constitutionality of Vehicle Immobilization Ordinances
The Supreme Court upheld Cebu City's vehicle immobilization ordinance as a valid exercise of police power, clarifying due process requirements for traffic enforcement.
Quorum Quandaries: When Does a Presiding Officer Count in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a vice-mayor counts for quorum in local sanggunian sessions under the Local Government Code.
Local Government Authority and Ordinance Enforcement: A Guide for Businesses
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a city mayor's duty to enforce local ordinances, and what this means for businesses operating under reclassified zones.
When Local Councils Overstep: Cable TV Franchises and the Limits of LGU Power
A look at Zoomzat v. People, where the Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot grant cable TV franchises—that power belongs to the NTC.
Eminent Domain and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation Cases
The Supreme Court nullified Cebu City's expropriation ordinance, reaffirming that due process and strict legal compliance limit local governments' power of eminent domain.
Cable TV Rates: NTC Has Exclusive Power Over Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on whether local governments can regulate cable TV subscriber rates, clarifying NTC's exclusive authority.
Tax Exemptions in Special Economic Zones: Limits on Presidential Power
Supreme Court rules President cannot grant tax exemptions in special economic zones—only Congress can, under the Constitution.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: When Filing Multiple Petitions Backfires
Philippine Supreme Court explains forum shopping through a barangay captain's dismissed petition against an Ad Hoc Committee.
Ombudsman's Limits: When Can the Ombudsman Order Payment of Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's power to order payment of back wages and limits of its jurisdiction.
Filling Vacancies in Local Government: A Guide to Appointments in the Philippines
Who appoints replacements for vacant local council seats? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Local Government Code.