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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Colocation SLA in the Philippines: What to Contract For
A colocation SLA in the Philippines should cover power, cooling, uptime, security, and support. Here is what to contract for and which rules apply.
Islamic Banking in the Philippines: License Requirements and Sukuk Tax Rules
How to set up an Islamic bank in the Philippines under R.A. 11439, and how the BIR taxes sukuk gains, coupons, and documentary stamp tax.
When Does a Right to Radio Frequencies Vest? The NOW Telecom Ruling
A legislative franchise does not guarantee radio frequencies. The Supreme Court explains why spectrum use is a privilege.
SEC Quasi-Legislative Power: When Courts Can Review Agency Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review SEC regulations and why injunctions against the agency were improper in the PSE voting rights case.
Protecting Environmental Advocacy: The Limits of SLAPP Suits in Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts define the limits of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), balancing environmental advocacy with the right to protect reputations.
Lone Legislative Districts and Provincial Board Seats: The San Jose Del Monte Ruling
A lone legislative district is entitled to its own seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Supreme Court rules in Robes v. COMELEC.
Upholding Traffic Regulations: Valid Delegation of Power and Public Safety
The Supreme Court upholds traffic penalty regulations as valid exercises of delegated legislative power and police power for public safety.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: The Senate v. Medialdea Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed the Senate's petition against the October 2021 Memorandum barring executive officials from Blue Ribbon hearings, citing premature filing.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: The Immigration Overtime Pay Dispute
A look at Tendenilla v. Purisima, where the Supreme Court upheld the executive's shift from airline-funded overtime to a 24/7 government-funded schedule.
Conversion to Islam Does Not Shield You from Bigamy Charges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that converting to Islam does not automatically exempt a person from bigamy charges under Philippine law.
Judicial Misconduct and the Importance of Propriety: A Landmark Case on Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
A judge's off-bench conduct matters. The Supreme Court fined a magistrate P50,000 for slapping a quarantine officer and allowing his sons to maul him.
Executive Power Limits in Treaty Withdrawal: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court clarifies when the President may unilaterally withdraw from treaties, balancing executive discretion with legislative involvement.
Sheriff Misconduct and Religious Bias: A Landmark Philippine Administrative Case
A sheriff's excessive force and Islamophobic justification lead to a one-year suspension and a strong rebuke from the Supreme Court.
Franchise Renewal in Philippine Broadcasting: Insights from ABS-CBN v. NTC
The Supreme Court's ruling in ABS-CBN v. NTC clarifies that an expired legislative franchise cannot be extended by pending bills or administrative practice.
Court Interpreter Suspended for Incompetent Translations in RTC Malaybalay
SC suspends court interpreter for inaccurate Visayan-to-English translations, stressing the heavy responsibility of judicial employees.
Court Interpreter Suspended for Incompetent Translations: A Lesson in Judicial Accountability
The Supreme Court suspended a court interpreter for inefficiency and incompetence in translating testimonies, underscoring the critical role of accurate interpretation in the judiciary.
Condominium Board Disputes and Slander: When Words Cross the Line
A condominium board dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn the legal boundaries of speech and the consequences of public accusations.
Calling Someone a Thief in Public Can Be Slander: Key Lessons from a Condo Dispute
A heated condo dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn when public accusations of theft become criminal oral defamation in the Philippines.
Joint Resolutions vs Laws: The Ang Nars Ruling on Salary Grades and Legislative Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that only bills can become laws, not joint resolutions, in a ruling on nurse salary grades.
Legislative Reapportionment: When New Districts Take Effect and Voters' Rights Prevail
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's suspension of South Cotabato's 1st District elections, clarifying when legislative reapportionment takes effect.
Calida v. Trillanes: When a Legislative Inquiry Becomes Moot
Supreme Court dismisses Calida petition against Trillanes' Senate inquiry as moot after Congress adjourned.
When GSIS Rules Fail: The Publication Requirement and the Limits of Agency Power
The Supreme Court nullified GSIS PPG No. 171-03 for lack of publication, reaffirming that legislative rules need notice and effectivity.
When Delayed Medical Assessments Translate to Total Disability: Protecting Seafarers' Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company-designated physician's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment converts a seafarer's disability to total and permanent.
Senate Contempt Powers: When Legislative Inquiry Detention Must End
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Senate contempt detention limits during legislative inquiries, balancing legislative power and individual rights.