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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SALN Declarations and Judicial Ethics: Lessons from a Judge's Insurance Business Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges face liability for owning businesses and why SALN transparency matters for good faith errors.
Election Transparency and Citizen Access to the Automated Election System in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of citizen access to the automated election system, including ballot printing, SD cards, and transmission data.
Unlocking Bank Secrets: The AMLC's Role in Financial Transparency and Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies the AMLC's duty to disclose bank records in criminal cases, balancing confidentiality with prosecution.
Administrative Misconduct, Transparency, and Due Process in Philippine Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be liable for simple misconduct, emphasizing transparency, due process, and the importance of sworn evidence in administrative cases.
Ensuring Transparency and Fairness in Government Procurement: Lessons from the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies procurement rules under RA 9184, distinguishing simple neglect from grave misconduct in public bidding.
Upholding Transparency Competitive Bidding Mandate IN Power Supply Agreements
Supreme Court voids ERC's postponement of competitive selection for power supply agreements, protecting consumers from opaque electricity costs.
Accountability in Government Procurement: Upholding Transparency in Limited Source Bidding and Negotiated Proc
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of NPO-BAC chair for grave misconduct over flawed limited source bidding and negotiated procurement under RA 9184.
Candor in the Courtroom: Suspension for Lack of Transparency in Legal Proceedings
A lawyer's failure to disclose a pending motion before another forum led to suspension. Learn the ethical duty of candor.
Protecting Deliberations: The Scope of Deliberative Process Privilege in Philippine Law
Explore the deliberative process privilege in Philippine law, its scope, limits, and how courts balance confidentiality with transparency.
Transparency in Election Surveys: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to require disclosure of election survey funders, including subscribers, under the Fair Election Act.
DILG Circulars on LGU Fund Disclosure Upheld: Local Autonomy Has Limits
Supreme Court upholds DILG circulars requiring LGU transparency in IRA use, clarifying that local autonomy does not mean absolute independence from national supervision.
Corporate Transparency: Enforcing Stockholder Rights to Inspect Corporate Records
Supreme Court clarifies when refusal to allow inspection of corporate records and stock and transfer books is punishable under the Corporation Code.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.
Shareholder Rights Demanding Corporate Transparency Through Inspection Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on stockholder inspection rights under Section 74 of the Corporation Code and the limits of judicial review of prosecutorial findings.
Due Process in Public Bidding: When Undisclosed Bid Floors Violate Fair Procedure
Philippine Sports Commission v. Dear John Services clarifies that undisclosed bid floors violate due process and transparency in government procurement.
Transparency in Elections: The Right to Review Source Codes for Automated Election Systems
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC must make AES source codes available for independent review under R.A. 9369.
Public Officials' Duty to Disclose Assets: Transparency Upholds Public Trust
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a BIR official for failing to declare luxury vehicles in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
Upholding Election Law Amendments Ensuring Fair And Transparent Elections
The Supreme Court upheld RA 9369's constitutionality, affirming Congress's power to amend election laws for transparency, credibility, fairness, and accuracy.
Attorneys Accountability Ensuring Transparency IN Handling Client Funds AND Upholding Ethical Obligations
Fighting Corruption Why Government Contracts Must BE Above Board
Why PAGCOR's tax exemption in Acesite v. CIR shields contractors from VAT—and what this means for government procurement transparency.
Right to Access Court Records: Balancing Public Interest and Privacy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when court records are public, who may access them, and how courts balance transparency with privacy.
Power Rates and Public Notice: Why Transparency Matters in Philippine Electricity Regulations
A Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's generation charge increase clarifies when public notice and publication are required for rate adjustments under EPIRA.
Upholding Union Democracy: Illegal Suspensions, Elections, and Financial Transparency
Supreme Court affirms penalties for union officers who suspended members without due process, held premature elections, and failed to render financial reports.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds BLR Authority In Union Account Audits Ensuring Transparency AND Accountabilit
The Supreme Court affirms the Bureau of Labor Relations' jurisdiction over union account audits, clarifying appellate procedure under Philippine labor law.