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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Upholding Relocation Surveys When Court Orders Meet Agency Expertise IN Land Disputes
Judges' Duty to Prevent Case Delays: Lessons from OCA v. Judge Español
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to decide cases within 90 days—or to request an extension—is gross inefficiency.
Eminent Domain and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation Cases
The Supreme Court nullified Cebu City's expropriation ordinance, reaffirming that due process and strict legal compliance limit local governments' power of eminent domain.
Cable TV Rates: NTC Has Exclusive Power Over Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on whether local governments can regulate cable TV subscriber rates, clarifying NTC's exclusive authority.
Supervision vs. Control: Safeguarding Local Autonomy in the Liga ng mga Barangay
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between supervision and control over the Liga ng mga Barangay, protecting local autonomy.
Three-Term Limit for Local Officials: When an Election Loss Resets the Clock
Election loss interrupts an official's service and resets the three-term limit, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Adormeo v. COMELEC.
Tenancy Rights vs Ownership Claims: DARAB Jurisdiction in Agrarian Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction limits in agrarian disputes, distinguishing tenancy rights from administrative reallocation matters.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over City Councilors: The Inding Doctrine on Salary Grades
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan, not lower courts, has jurisdiction over local officials charged with graft — regardless of salary grade.
Provocation and Voluntary Surrender: How Two Mitigating Circumstances Lowered a Frustrated Homicide Sentence
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Article 64(5) of the Revised Penal Code to reduce a frustrated homicide sentence when provocation and voluntary surrender were present.
When a Suspension Order Against an Elective Official Takes Effect Immediately
The Supreme Court clarifies when suspension orders against elective local officials are immediately executory, even during an election period.
When Can a Local Government Close a Business? Due Process Limits on Municipal Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that municipalities may regulate businesses through closure only with due process, even when taxes are unpaid.
Taxing Charity: Real Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Hospitals in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals qualify for real property tax exemptions under the Constitution and Local Government Code.
Disqualification After Election: Why the Second Placer Does Not Win and a Special Election Is the Remedy
When a winning candidate is disqualified after the election, the second placer cannot be declared the winner. A special election is the proper remedy, as explained in Ocampo v. HRET.
Heat of Passion or Cold Calculation: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in the Face of Provocation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, despite provocation and a prior quarrel.
Local Autonomy Under Siege Safeguarding THE Lgus Share IN National Taxes
Revocation OF Permits When Courts Lack Jurisdiction IN Ejectment Cases
Tax Exemption Start Dates for Pioneer Enterprises Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 6-year local tax holiday for BOI-registered pioneer enterprises begins and NPC's tax liability.
Dereliction of Duty: Sheriff’s Suspension Upholds Public Trust in Court Officers
A sheriff who failed to serve summons and ignored OCA directives was suspended three months. The Court affirms that dereliction of duty erodes public trust in the judiciary.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Case of Conrado Casitas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill is shown by the number and location of wounds inflicted.
Local Autonomy vs National Mandate: Limits of City Ordinances in Liga ng mga Barangay Elections
Supreme Court clarifies that city ordinances cannot override the Liga ng mga Barangay's own election rules, and explains proper remedies.
Provocation and Homicide: When a Victim's Actions Reduce Criminal Liability
Explore how a victim's provocative act can reduce murder to homicide, as ruled in People v. Tigle.
COA Audit Authority Over Water Districts: Protecting Public Funds
The Supreme Court affirms COA's audit jurisdiction over local water districts, declaring PD 198's private audit provision unconstitutional.
Upholding Barangay Dispute Resolutions Enforceability AND Timeframes FOR Amicable Settlements
The Supreme Court clarifies when barangay amicable settlements become final and how the six-month execution period under the Local Government Code should be counted.
Absence of Prior Appraisal Does Not Void Onerous Donation by Local Government
Supreme Court rules that a local government's onerous donation without prior appraisal is valid, applying contract law over procedural requirements.