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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Franchise Amendments and Public Utilities: When Does the Common Good Justify Change
The Supreme Court upholds RA 11918 expanding MORE Power's franchise, ruling exclusive franchises are unconstitutional and Congress determines the common good.
Consortium Requirement in Subtransmission Asset Acquisition: A Philippine Power Industry Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory consortium requirement under EPIRA Section 8 for subtransmission asset acquisition by distribution utilities.
Understanding Share Redemption in Public Utilities: Insights from Philippine Legal Precedents
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on share redemption in public utilities, examining PLDT's preferred share buyback and its legal implications.
Condominium Owners' Duty to Pay Dues: When Utility Disconnection Is Valid
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that condominium associations may disconnect utilities for unpaid dues under the Condominium Act's declaration of restrictions.
Condominium Dues and Utility Disconnection: What Unit Owners Must Know
The Supreme Court upheld a condominium association's right to disconnect utilities for unpaid dues, clarifying owner obligations under the Condominium Act.
Foreign Ownership in Public Utilities: The High Court Defines "Capital"
The Supreme Court clarifies that Under the Constitution
Consumer Rights vs Electric Utilities: Supreme Court Upholds Damages for Breach of Compromise Agreement
Supreme Court rules electric cooperatives must honor compromise agreements, awarding damages to consumers for repeated billing harassment and disconnection threats.
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
Can Landowners Force Water Disconnection for Informal Settlers? Supreme Court Says No
The Supreme Court ruled landowners cannot compel water utilities to disconnect services to informal settlers, balancing property rights with essential services.
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.
When Landlords Can Cut Utilities: Lessons from Barbasa v. Tuquero
Learn when a lessor may lawfully disconnect utilities under a lease's penalty clause without committing grave coercion.
Unbilled Electricity Consumption: When Can a Utility Company Charge You
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when electric utilities can charge consumers for unbilled consumption due to alleged meter tampering.
Shipyards and Public Utilities: Defining National Interest in Corporate Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether shipyards are public utilities requiring 60% Filipino ownership, and its impact on corporate acquisitions.
Taxing Public Utilities When Government Entities Operate Like Private Businesses
When does a government-owned corporation pay real property tax? The LRTA case explains the rules on public use, beneficial use, and tax exemptions.
Power Rate Differentials: When Regulators May Favor Utilities Over Direct Consumers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ERB authority to set power rate differentials between utilities and direct industrial consumers.
Power Rate Differentials: ERB Authority to Protect Utility Companies Upheld
Supreme Court affirms ERB power to set rate differentials favoring utilities over direct industrial customers of NAPOCOR.