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 17 of 7 articles for sovereignty

Submarine Cables as Taxable Real Property: Supreme Court Clarifies Local Government Authority

The Supreme Court rules submarine cables are taxable real property, affirming local governments' power to impose real property tax on these assets.

Citizenship by Naturalization: Balancing National Sovereignty and Refugee Protection

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on naturalization of a refugee, clarifying the "lucrative income" requirement and reciprocity under the Naturalization Law.

Presidential Warranties vs. State Sovereignty: The PICOP Timber License Case

The Supreme Court ruled presidential warranties on timber licenses are not contracts, and state sovereignty over natural resources prevails.

Peace vs. the Constitution: Delineating Executive Power in Ancestral Domain Agreements

The Supreme Court ruled the MOA-AD unconstitutional, limiting the executive's power to bind the state in peace agreements.

Upholding Integrity: Dishonesty and Misconduct in Public Service

A judge's side business as a real estate broker leads to administrative liability, reaffirming that judicial integrity must be beyond reproach.

Limits on Foreign Troops in Domestic Conflicts: The Balikatan 02-1 Ruling

The Supreme Court ruled that foreign troops may train and assist but cannot engage in offensive combat on Philippine soil without constitutional authority.

Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Just Compensation and Due Process

Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in eminent domain cases, focusing on just compensation and due process requirements.