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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Can a Certificate of Candidacy Be Cancelled After Election Day? Residency Rules for Local Elections
The Supreme Court explains when a certificate of candidacy may be cancelled after election day, focusing on false residency declarations.
Local Government Powers: Balancing Reorganization and Prohibited Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies when local government early retirement programs are valid versus prohibited supplementary retirement schemes under Philippine law.
Enforcing Money Judgments Against Local Government Units: Mandamus and the COA Route
The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus cannot compel an LGU to pay a final judgment; claims must first go through the Commission on Audit.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Execution Requirements in Local Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of execution is needed for tax refunds or tax credits in local tax disputes.
Due Process Prevails When Land Registration Cases Cannot Disguise Revocation of Donation Claims
The Supreme Court nullified a land registration case that was actually a disguised claim for revocation of donation, upholding due process.
Political Offense Doctrine and Murder Charges: Key Lessons from Ocampo v. Abando
When can murder charges be dismissed under the political offense doctrine? The Supreme Court clarifies in Ocampo v. Abando.
CTA Jurisdiction Over Local Tax Disputes: The City of Manila v. Grecia-Cuerdo Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Court of Tax Appeals has jurisdiction over certiorari petitions questioning RTC interlocutory orders in local tax cases.
Protecting Local Autonomy Upholding Environmental Stewardship Over Business Interests
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against local officials, affirming their power to enforce environmental laws over business interests.
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.
Safeguarding Suffrage: Counting Votes for Disqualified Party Lists in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court rules that votes for party-list groups disqualified after the elections must be included in the divisor for seat allocation.
Work-Related Illness Compensability of Myocardial Infarction Under Philippine Law
Philippine law on compensability of myocardial infarction as a work-related illness, explained through Supreme Court rulings and legal standards.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Money Claims Against LGUs: The Province of Aklan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that money claims against local government units must first be filed with the Commission on Audit, not the regular courts.
Onerous Donations Contract Law vs Gratuitous Intent in Property Transfers
When a donation carries a burden, contract rules apply. Learn how Philippine law treats onerous donations and revocation for ingratitude.
Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Complete Performance in Reciprocal Agreements
In reciprocal contracts, a party cannot collect payment without first completing its own obligations—a lesson from a medical pipeline dispute.
Pay Under Protest Before Contesting Real Property Tax Assessments
A claim for tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment under the Local Government Code.
Local Government Authority vs Property Rights: Valid Ordinance Enforcement
Supreme Court clarifies when local ordinances are presumed valid and enforceable, balancing municipal authority against property rights claims.
Zoning Laws and Agrarian Reform: When Local Ordinances Conflict With National Land Policy
When local zoning reclassifies agricultural land, approval by the HLURB is required—otherwise, CARP coverage still applies.
Forum Shopping and Government Funds: Rallos v. City of Cebu on Execution of Judgments
The Supreme Court dismisses a contempt petition for forum shopping and clarifies rules on executing money judgments against local governments.
Local Union Disaffiliation Rights and Check-Off Dues Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a local union may disaffiliate from its mother federation and what happens to check-off dues.
Union Disaffiliation and Employee Rights in Collective Bargaining: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a local union's right to disaffiliate from its mother federation and the effect on collective bargaining and check-off.
Breach of Insurance Contract: The Impact of Unapproved Property Relocation
When insured property moves without insurer consent, coverage may cease. Learn from Malayan Insurance v. PAP Co. on relocation risks.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Dual Citizenship and Electoral Candidacy: The Renunciation Requirement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that renouncing foreign citizenship to run for local office must be complete and unequivocal—using a foreign passport after renunciation can disqualify a candidate.